Sweet 16 Chemistry of Gases Tournament

Do your students eagerly compete to fill out their “March Madness” tournament brackets? Have some fun and inspire your students with March Madness chemistry! This activity combines the popularity of “bracketology” with a review of the preparation and properties of common gases. The historical foundation of modern chemistry was built on the study of gases, such as experiments with hydrogen and oxygen in the 18th century that led to the modern definition of an element versus a compound. From these historical roots, the study of gases continues to influence our lives. The role of “greenhouse gases,” in particular, remains a vital area of research—and may help determine the winner of the Sweet 16 Chemistry of Gases tournament!