Case Study Approach. A unifying case study provides the narrative throughline for each chapter, introducing chemical concepts in a relatable context. As students read about new drugs, new polymer materials, social issues, and everyday products, they learn the relevant basics of chemistry. Case studies include:
- Chapter 1: Exploring Our Water Supply
- Chapter 2: Exploring Evidence from a Crime Scene
- Chapter 3: Exploring Historical Climate Change
- Chapter 4: Investigating the Chemistry of a Poison
- Chapter 5: Exploring Chemotherapy Drugs
- Chapter 6: Exploring Chemistry in the Kitchen
- Chapter 7: Exploring Antibiotics and Drug-Resistant Infections Antibiotics
- Chapter 8: Exploring Biodegradable Polymers
- Chapter 9: Investigating the Chemistry of Fire and Arson
- Chapter 10: Exploring Airport Security
- Chapter 11: Exploring Green Chemistry
- Chapter 12: Exploring Nuclear Power
- Chapter 13: Exploring Athletic Performance
- Chapter 14: Exploring Genetically Modified Food
Focusing Questions connect the case to the chemistry in the chapter, helping students identify what to look for as they read.
Learning Objectives set out the key ideas of each chapter section.
Visuals highlight interesting aspects of forensic evidence and investigations. Each page is designed to heighten the interaction between the written text and the many detailed and accurate figures and photos of chemical reactions, processes, equipment, and molecular models. Many figures are aimed directly at showing how physical and chemical changes happen over a period of time.
Detailed Worked Examples Paired with Practice Problems give students a helpful step-by-step roadmap for problem solving, including the “simple” (often algebraic) steps left out of many textbooks. A practice problem follows each worked example, so students can check their understanding immediately.
Flexible Mathematics Sections let instructors customize the mathematical coverage of their course. Through conceptual explanations, worked examples, and practice problems, students receive ample explanation and practice on the math topics.
In the Lab boxes illustrate the key investigative tools in chemistry, showing students how chemists use modern equipment, laboratory techniques, and analytical methods to examine samples of interest.