Nonscience majors have long been a neglected population in the teaching of chemistry. Many courses for nonmajors tend to be simpler versions of the major course. Both the chemistry content and approach used for this population has long ignored the special characteristics and wealth of scientific knowledge that these students bring to the study of chemistry. Chemistry in Context: Applying Chemistry to Society, the American Chemical Society's college chemistry curriculum for non science majors attempts to tap this knowledge by imbedding chemistry in a cultural, societal, economic and political context. Here chemistry is introduced on a "need-to-know" basis that provides students with an informed understanding of critical science based contemporary issues.

In this workshop, participants will have an opportunity to work with authors of Chemistry in Context. The unique philosophy of the curricular approach along with an overview of the chemistry content, sample activities and evaluation techniques will be presented. Participants will be able to experience several of the laboratory and decision making activities that characterize Chemistry in Context. Discussions in the workshop will focus on the "nuts and bolts" of implementing the curriculum in both large and small classes. Participants will be encouraged to share their own innovations in teaching chemistry to nonscience majors. The workshop leaders are particularly eager to elicit ideas for new kinds of homework assignments, testing strategies, lab and writing assignments and grading practices. Time will be provided for discussion of these topics.

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