Beer as a Teaching Aid in the Classroom and Laboratory

Abstract

Beer was chosen as a teaching tool to maximize students' class participation and systemize and enhance their knowledge of chemistry. Viewing beer as a complex mixture allowed the students to learn how to directly apply their chemistry knowledge. Before the "Beer Unit" students were instructed to research beer and acquire data on beer composition and properties. They were also asked to propose a hypothesis about possible chemical links between the components of beer and suggest qualitative analytical experiments. During the Laboratory and classroom periods, the students performed experiments, analyzed the results, tested their hypotheses, and solved problems. The multilevel approach generated more discussion topics and acquisition of new chemistry knowledge. The students were also encouraged to point out negative consequences caused by uncontrolled consumption of beer. As a result of this unit, the students obtained the correct answers during chemistry classes, and they gained powerful arguments for discussions and were able to make proper health and life choices.