CSI Fictions As Pedagogical Tools: Promoting Chemistry Engagement in High-School Students

Abstract

Capitalizing on the enthusiasm generated by CSI-style fiction, a series of chemistry demonstrations were implemented within a set of university events aimed at promoting chemistry and chemical engineering among high school students, aiming at pedagogical innovation, chemistry outreach, and assessment of student engagement. Four simple experiments (mercury heart, copper capture, nitrite poisoning, and the heaviness of lead) were presented by undergraduate students, illustrating key chemical principles, including electrochemistry, redox reactions, metal electroplating, colorimetry, and complexometric titrations. The demonstrations also highlighted how chemistry can help protect environmental and food safety issues. Students participated enthusiastically, showing curiosity about the experiments and their real-world applications, with the mercury heart generating the strongest engagement because of its surprising visual effect.