As a science teacher, one of the most important topics to teach students is the concept of catalysts. Catalysts are substances that increase the rate of chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. They are essential in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, and petroleum industries, medical fields, and farming, to name a few.
However, teaching students about catalysts can be challenging, especially when they don’t understand its importance in daily life. Therefore, it is essential to provide real-life examples to make the learning process more exciting and engaging for the students.
Here are Some Examples of Catalysts to Teach Students:
1. Enzymes:
Enzymes are a type of biological catalyst, which means that they are naturally occurring substances in living organisms that increase the rate of biochemical reactions. Enzymes are essential in human bodies, and they help to speed up digestion, respiration, and the regulation of cellular metabolism. Students can better understand enzymes by explaining everyday activities they participate in, like breathing or digesting food.
2. Platinum:
Platinum is a common catalyst used in the chemical industry for various reactions such as the production of fertilizers, plastics, and gasoline. It is also used to lower the emissions of harmful gases from cars and trucks. Students can better understand the importance of this catalyst by sharing the benefits of using it in our daily lives.
3. Acid catalysts:
Acid catalysts are commonly used in the production of esters, which are used in a wide range of products such as perfumes, flavors, and detergents. Sulfuric and hydrochloric acid are examples of acid catalysts that are widely used in chemical industries. Students can understand the importance of these catalysts by discussing products that they use daily, like perfumes and detergents.
4. Homogeneous catalysts:
Homogeneous catalysts are those that are present in a single phase, usually a liquid. They are commonly used in chemical reactions in the pharmaceutical industry to create medicines. For example, palladium chloride is a catalyst used in the manufacturing of antidepressants. Students can learn about the significance of this catalyst by understanding the importance of antidepressants and other medications in our daily lives.
5. Heterogeneous catalysts:
Heterogeneous catalysts are those that are present in a different phase than the reactants, usually a solid. One example is the catalyst used to convert Nitrogen gas from the air into the fertilizer used to grow crops. These catalysts are crucial for the Agricultural and Horticultural industry as well. Students can learn about its importance by learning how the use of fertilizers help crops grow better and faster.
In summary, teaching students about catalysts is essential, and it is essential to keep the lessons fun and interactive by providing real-life examples. As teachers, it is our responsibility to make students understand the importance of catalysts because it is essential to their learning and their future.
