The Elements of a Chemistry Case

We have recently introduced the Case Discussion Method as a viable pedagogy for the teaching of chemical principles in a real-world context to introductory level students. This article describes the Case Discussion Method and discusses the critical components in case teaching. Hommers Mining Dilemma was written to teach various principles of electrochemistry in the context of copper mining in a first-year chemistry class; this case is included as an example. The case-teaching note summarizes the case, illustrates its use in class, and provides analysis of the scientific issues.