It seems an easy extension to create a similar program for History of Chemistry. First we'll share some of Larry's comments on how to create the game. Then we'll reproduce the GAME BOARD he created for ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY. Finally we'll give a set of "tiles" one can reproduce to generate classroom sets for a HISTORY theme. Please note how easy it is to customize this game to your own classroom needs! Feel free!!

CHEM WEB is a non-competitive game, played by teams of 3-4 students. Each team is given a set of 30-40 "tiles"; on each tile is a phrase, term, formula, name.... from Chemistry. The team simply attempts to create a web of inter-relationships by placing related tiles in proximity. The strongest connections should go left-right or up-down; weaker connections can be made diagonally. The educational merit comes from the discussion between team members. There is no one correct answer! Creativity and insight, even humor, emerge as students probe for connections.

Larry suggests that after a set time period, teams swap places and "critique" other webs. Perhaps they can vote on the best web. Or perhaps they can pool ideas to create a class -consensus web. (It would be neat to have a set of enlarged tiles on magnetic tape that the teacher could manipulate around the blackboard!). Or perhaps the teacher could have each team show to the class details of 3-4 of their connections (especially if they seem unique) . Still one more use would be to distribute a print-out of a completed web, and assign individuals the task of researching the connections.

To play the HISTORY version, just print out 5-6 copies of page 3, and then cut up with scissors into independent tiles, and store in an envelop. (To get really fancy, consider laminating the sheets first.)

To play the ENVIRONMENTAL version, Larry created a sample web, which we've reproduced on page 2. The lay-out gives a "feel" for completing a web. Reproduce a print-out of it, and then cut up into individual tiles, as above.

The more Chemistry (and History of Chemistry!) one knows, the more obvious many of the connections. For our students, CHEM WEB might prove a motivating, non-threatening way to introduce those links and "turn them on". Enjoy the game!

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