Module IIB. Exploring Techno-Economic Assessments and Life Cycle Assessments: Environmental versus Economic Evaluations of Soy-based Processes and Products

Some notes from the initial piloting of the module:

Organic Chemistry, 5 students, Science
I implemented this module in my Organic Chemistry course on the topic of addition reactions. Many students typically perceive organic chemistry as difficult and irrelevant to their everyday lives. However, this module—focused on the chemistry of soy and the addition reactions involving the six double bonds in soybean oil—proved to be an eye-opening and impactful learning experience. It helped students see the real-world relevance of organic chemistry concepts and increased their engagement with the topic.
To introduce the topic, I began by discussing how trade policies, such as the Trump-era tariffs, have affected U.S. soybean farmers—highlighting how tons of soybeans once exported to China were no longer being purchased as retaliation. By connecting this economic issue to the scientific concept of addition reactions in soybean oil and related case studies (such as candies), students became much more engaged and interested. They appreciated the real-world relevance of the topic, which made the concept of addition reactions more meaningful and easier to grasp. Without this context, the lesson might have seemed abstract or unrelatable to them.
I recommend connecting the scientific concepts in this module to current social or economic issues to make the topic more relatable for students. For example, linking the chemistry of soy to real-world events—such as the impact of trade policies on soybean farming—helps students see the relevance of addition reactions beyond the classroom. Integrating the case studies (candles, asphalt, lubricants) within the Soy Chemistry module rather than keeping them separate can also create a more cohesive and engaging learning experience. These strategies can help students find meaning in what might otherwise feel like an abstract or difficult topic.

Organic Chemistry 1 (18 students; all biology or biochemistry majors)
I really liked the module and the information contained in all the modules I looked at. I think the information was presented clearly; however, next time I use it, I think I will convert some of the handouts into assignments that can be auto-graded in my LMS.
I used Module IIB; potentially, I should have started with Module 1 to provide a bit more context and background for the students. For some of my students, this might have been their first introduction to the 12 principles of Green Chemistry and the UN Sustainable Development Goals; this is something we will be introducing earlier in the curriculum.
we did the case study just after the clocks changed, and there was a lot of fatigue in class that week.
There was a lot of new information for my particular student population, and I did not share the videos ahead of time. I would share more of the handouts in advance to give students time to read through the material more thoroughly, especially for the in-class discussion part.
This was my first time doing a case study! So I have a lot to learn for future iterations. I am going to move module IIB to general chemistry II as I think it will be a better fit there.