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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 1999  > April  >
Chemistry Everyday for Everyone
Teaching Chemistry Using the Movie Apollo 13
James G. Goll and B. J. Woods
Glenville State College, Division of Science and Mathematics, Glenville, WV 26351
Cover
April 1999
Vol. 76 No. 4
p. 506
Abstract
The space program has been an inspiration to science and engineers over the past thirty years. During the past several years, one of us (JGG) has used the movie Apollo 13 to provide examples for illustration of chemical principles. Some examples used involve examination of the explosion in an oxygen tank. Questions are raised about why the tanks needed stirring and how this caused an explosion, and the process of determining the causes is discussed. The chemical reaction of lithium hydroxide with carbon dioxide used in filters and the requirements for filters are examined. The various rocket fuels and oxidants are compared-what properties were important for lift-off and which were important for the maneuvering thruster. These examples explore fundamental scientific methodology and structure, property, and reactivity relationships. Several textbooks also draw examples from the space program. The use of this popular movie has helped generate interest in chemistry courses.
More Information
*  Citation
 Goll, James G.; Woods, B. J. J. Chem. Educ. 1999 76 506.
*  Keywords
 Problem-Based Learning; Multimedia; Teaching / Learning Aids; Public Understanding; Undergraduate Research; Teaching/Learning Theory/Practice
*  History
 Created:
Last Updated:		 June 14, 1999
June 23, 2005
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