“Miss Teacher, why do we need to learn this? When am I ever going to use this information?” Questions like this are a common litany in the classroom. Of course, most teachers can answer this question and do so during their lessons. However, in my current teaching situation–five preps, all different science courses, in a mostly low SES school where survival and not learning is a student’s modus operandi–the question is ubiquitous. Learning for the sake of satisfying curiosity doesn’t exist for most of my students. Instead, getting through the school day is just a series of numbers and letters that have no meaning in a life where there are no presents under the Christmas tree, where the only food kids get is what they receive at free lunch and breakfast, and where multiple students have an incarcerated parent. So the idea of relevance needs to be foremost in my planning. Of course, I don’t have an answer for the student who asks why we need to know about weather when we just had a snow day, and the predictions are for continued bad weather, potential power outages, and unsafe driving conditions. However, for more abstract concepts like acids and bases and neutralization reactions, relevance becomes less obvious, and examples really are necessary. 

According to Cognitive Load Theory (CLT),  our working memory can only process a limited number of pieces of information before discarding it or storing it in long-term memory. For students, that working memory can be easily overloaded. According to Likourezos (2021), lack of consideration for prior knowledge can contribute to cognitive overload for students, resulting in working memory that dumps learning rather than preserving it. Providing examples and nonexamples is a way to establish relevance and help students access prior knowledge. Most of the time, students really do have experience with the concepts taught in science class–there are everyday examples of most concepts I teach. However, because they lack expertise,which also contributes to cognitive overload as students try to process new information, their ability to identify these everyday examples is limited.

Modes of Learning Theory (MLT) also supports the idea of using examples and non-examples to help students assimilate new learning (Rumelhart & Norman, 1978). MLT proposes that a student’s schema must be restructured to accommodate new learning . Using examples and non-examples can help students identify what they already know about a topic–their current schema–and make it possible for them to revise the schema to incorporate scientific reasoning into what they already know.

Learning theory research is clear–use examples and nonexamples! But coming up with all of the examples and nonexamples I need in a day for five different science classes in order to establish relevance can be overwhelming. If I had to rely on collegial experts, textbooks and online resources, I would never be able to generate the information required. It is beneficial to both students and teachers, then, that every teacher has free assistance to create these examples in the form of generative AI. As with any new technology, however, the use of AI for creating examples must be approached with the mindset that AI serves only as a thought partner, and not as an experienced educator or scientist. While ChatGPT is able to generate a multitude of examples and nonexamples quickly, and in sufficient quantity, the program may make incorrect assumptions or connections, or instill bias by the examples it chooses to share. It is up to me to critically evaluate and validate these AI-generated ideas before sharing them with my students. A five-step process proposed by Mah & Levine (2023) simplifies a complex process and helps ensure that information shared with students is appropriate, accurate, and relevant.

Here are their five recommended steps, listed here to remind AI-users that AI is a technology tool that is only as good as the person evaluating the search results. AI is not a replacement for humans who can relate to content with nuance and empathy as well as content knowledge.

1. What are your target learning goals? (Looking at rubrics and objectives can help with this step.)
2. Based on your answer to #1, use a generative AI tool such as ChatGPT to write a prompt to generate examples.
3. Review the response and either discard it as not relevant or modify it as necessary to meet target learning goals.
4. Prompt for nonexamples or incorrect examples.
5. Review the response again and adapt as necessary.

Below are the details of an iterative search I created to help generate everyday examples and nonexamples of acids and bases. Acid-base chemistry can seem unapproachable to students as a teacher dives into dissociation, hydrogen and hydroxide ions, and neutralization. Students generally don’t care to know.  But I know that acid-based chemistry is a big part of changes we regularly experience in the world around us, and wanted to quickly search for some ideas related to acids and bases that my students could identify with in order to make the more difficult science palatable. Before I began to search for examples, I made a preliminary query to determine what definition ChatGPT would use for acids and bases. My first query was “Define acids and bases.” Whew. I received a full-blown description of different approaches to understanding acids and bases. This level of detail is not necessary for the grade level class. Realizing my error, I rephrased the query as follows, and got a decent description of acids and bases appropriate for a tenth grade class.

Query:

In language appropriate for a 10th grader, what are acids and bases?

ChatGPT Response:

A neutralization reaction is a type of chemical reaction that occurs when an acid and a base react with each other. The result of this reaction is typically the formation of water and a salt. These reactions are fundamental in chemistry and have wide-ranging applications in various fields.

The basic form of a neutralization reaction can be represented by the general equation:

Acid+Base→Salt+Water

In more specific terms, a neutralization reaction often involves the combination of hydrogen ions (H⁺) from the acid and hydroxide ions (OH⁻) from the base to form water (H₂O). The remaining ions from the acid and the base then form a salt.

For example, when hydrochloric acid (HCl, a common acid) reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH, a common base), the reaction produces water and sodium chloride (NaCl), which is table salt. The equation for this reaction is: 

HCl+NaOH→NaCl+H2O

Neutralization reactions are important in various applications, including environmental management (such as treating acidic or alkaline waste), medicine (such as antacids to neutralize stomach acid), and industrial processes. They are also fundamental in understanding chemical interactions and processes in both nature and various technological applications.

Step 1: What are your target learning goals? 

My learning goal was for students to be able to understand that acids and bases, while harmful, can react to form neutral, useful substances, so I asked ChatGPT to describe neutralization reactions.

Query:

What are neutralization reactions?

ChatGPT Response:

A neutralization reaction is a type of chemical reaction that occurs when an acid and a base react with each other. The result of this reaction is typically the formation of water and a salt. These reactions are fundamental in chemistry and have wide-ranging applications in various fields.

The basic form of a neutralization reaction can be represented by the general equation:

Acid+Base→Salt+Water

In more specific terms, a neutralization reaction often involves the combination of hydrogen ions (H⁺) from the acid and hydroxide ions (OH⁻) from the base to form water (H₂O). The remaining ions from the acid and the base then form a salt.

For example, when hydrochloric acid (HCl, a common acid) reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH, a common base), the reaction produces water and sodium chloride (NaCl), which is table salt. The equation for this reaction is: 

HCl+NaOH→NaCl+H2O

Neutralization reactions are important in various applications, including environmental management (such as treating acidic or alkaline waste), medicine (such as antacids to neutralize stomach acid), and industrial processes. 

Step 2: Write a prompt to generate examples.

I prompted ChatGPT to provide some examples of neutralization reactions.

Query: 

A neutralization reaction occurs when an acid and a base react to produce a neutral salt and water. Give three examples of common neutralization reactions and provide the equations that go with them. 

ChatGPT Response:

Neutralization reactions, where an acid and a base react to form a neutral salt and water, are fundamental in chemistry. Here are three common examples:

• Hydrochloric Acid and Sodium Hydroxide:
  • Reaction: Hydrochloric acid (HCl) reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to form sodium chloride (NaCl) and water (H₂O).
  • Equation:  HCl+NaOH→NaCl+H2O
• Sulfuric Acid and Potassium Hydroxide:
  • Reaction: Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) reacts with potassium hydroxide (KOH) to form potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄) and water (H₂O).
  • Equation: 2KOH+H2SO4→K2SO4+2H2O
• Acetic Acid and Sodium Bicarbonate:
  • Reaction: Acetic acid (CH₃COOH) reacts with sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) to form sodium acetate (CH₃COONa), water (H₂O), and carbon dioxide gas (CO₂).
  • Equation: CH3COOH+NaHCO3→CH3COONa+H2O+CO2

Step 3: Review/modify the response. 

As I evaluated this response, I saw that these reactions are common examples–and if you have a background in chemistry, you would know this. However, only the third example would be relevant to the prior knowledge of most students. To emphasize the relevance for students, I would need to make sure that students know what acetic acid is vinegar and sodium bicarbonate is baking soda. The vinegar-baking soda reaction is a really great example for neutralization because not only can you see the reaction happening in the form of bubbles, you can feel the reaction happening because the products are much colder at the end of the reaction than the beginning.

Step 4: Prompt for nonexamples or incorrect examples.

As mentioned above, ChatGPT brought back one good example, but I realized that “common” needed clarification.  I revised the prompt to include useful reactions. 

Query:

How are the reactions between hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide, sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide, and acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate useful?

ChatGPT Response:

The reactions between hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide, sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide, and acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate are examples of neutralization reactions, each of which has practical and important uses:

• Hydrochloric Acid and Sodium Hydroxide:
  • Reaction: HCl+NaOH→NaCl+H₂O
  • Uses:
    • Wastewater Treatment: This reaction is used to neutralize excess acid in industrial wastewater, making it safe for disposal or further biological treatment.
    • pH Control: It’s used in various laboratory and industrial processes to achieve pH balance.
    • Chemical Manufacturing: Sodium chloride, a product of this reaction, is a vital chemical in many industrial applications.
• Sulfuric Acid and Potassium Hydroxide:
  • Reaction: H₂SO₄+2KOH→K₂SO₄+2H₂O
  • Uses:
    • Fertilizer Production: Potassium sulfate, produced from this reaction, is used as a chemical fertilizer.
    • Battery Acid Neutralization: It can be used to neutralize spilled or excess sulfuric acid, especially in lead-acid batteries.
    • Laboratory Applications: This reaction can be employed in analytical chemistry for titrations and pH adjustments.
• Acetic Acid and Sodium Bicarbonate:
  • Reaction: CH₃COOH+NaHCO₃→CH₃COONa+CO₂+H₂O
  • Uses:
    • Baking: The carbon dioxide produced helps dough and batter rise.
    • Household Cleaning: This reaction is effective for cleaning and deodorizing in domestic settings.
    • Antacid Effect: Sodium bicarbonate is a common antacid used to neutralize stomach acid.

Step 5: Review the response again and adapt as necessary.

ChatGPT generated one useful example for each of the first two equations which I would keep. I think many students would have some prior knowledge of wastewater treatment and fertilizer. However the third equation yielded three great examples that most students would have prior knowledge of: baking, cleaning, and antacids. One was especially intriguing–baking–so I created an additional prompt to get more information. 

Query:

List the equation for the reaction that occurs when using baking soda to help in the rising process.

ChatGPT Response:

The chemical reaction involved in the rising process when using baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) in baking is typically a reaction with an acid present in the dough. One common example is the reaction of baking soda with tartaric acid (found in cream of tartar) or other acidic ingredients in the dough. The general reaction is:

NaHCO3+H+→Na+CO2+H2O

More specifically, if tartaric acid is present, the reaction can be represented as:

NaHCO3+C4H6O6→NaC4H5O6+CO2+H2O

In these reactions, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate, NaHCO₃) reacts with an acid to produce carbon dioxide gas (CO₂), which forms bubbles in the dough, causing it to rise. The sodium salts of the acids (like sodium tartrate in the second equation) are also formed along with water (H₂O). This process is essential in making various baked goods like cakes and bread light and fluffy.

This response will be of great interest to students–teenagers do, after all,  have a love affair with food. And in fact, I can see this discussion of acids and bases might lead to a bread-making session in chemistry.

My curiosity continued. What would ChatGPT say about acids and bases and food? So I asked.

Query:

How are acids used in cooking?

ChatGPT Response:

Acids play a significant role in cooking and are used in various ways to enhance flavor, texture, and overall quality of food. Here are some key uses of acids in cooking:

1. Flavor Enhancement: Acids like lemon juice, vinegar, and tomatoes can add a bright, sharp flavor to dishes, balancing out sweetness, saltiness, and bitterness. They are often used in marinades, dressings, sauces, and as finishing touches to dishes.
2. Tenderizing Meat: Acids are a key component in marinades for meat. The acidic ingredients, such as vinegar, wine, or citrus juices, can help to break down proteins in the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
3. Preservation: Acidic environments can inhibit the growth of bacteria. This is why acids like vinegar and lemon juice are used in pickling and canning to preserve fruits and vegetables.
4. Chemical Leavening: In baking, acidic ingredients like buttermilk, yogurt, lemon juice, or vinegar are often used in conjunction with baking soda (a base). The acid reacts with the baking soda, releasing carbon dioxide gas, which helps the dough or batter rise.
5. Balancing the Fat: Acidic components can cut through the richness of fatty foods, balancing the overall flavor profile. For instance, adding a squeeze of lemon to a buttery fish dish or using vinegar in a creamy sauce.
6. Color Preservation: Acids can help prevent browning in cut fruits and vegetables. For example, dipping apple or banana slices in lemon juice keeps them looking fresh by slowing down the oxidation process.
7. Setting Gels: Acids are important in the setting of gels, such as in jams and jellies. Pectin, a natural gelling agent found in many fruits, requires an acidic environment to set properly.
8. Curdling Dairy: Acidic ingredients are used to curdle milk in the making of cheese and other dairy products. Lemon juice or vinegar are commonly used for this purpose.
9. Sourdough Fermentation: In sourdough bread-making, the natural acids produced by the fermentation process contribute to the bread’s flavor, texture, and rise.
10. Emulsification: Acids like vinegar or lemon juice can help stabilize emulsions, which are mixtures of oil and water, in dressings and sauces.

That question generated some really interesting topics to share with students, a number of which might even create some curiosity and avenues for community connections. I wonder if there is a local resident who would help my students make a sourdough starter? Handled properly, this is a school project that could be active years later! And I can’t wait to share the idea that you can curdle milk on purpose for use in cooking (curdled milk is great for a fluffy pancake!).

To compare, I also asked ChatGPT about bases and cooking food.

Query:

How are bases used in cooking?

ChatGPT Response:

Bases, although less commonly discussed compared to acids, also play significant roles in cooking and food preparation. Here are some ways in which bases are used:

1. Baking: Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and baking powder, which are basic, are key ingredients in baking. They act as leavening agents, causing dough or batter to rise by producing carbon dioxide gas when reacting with an acid (like buttermilk, yogurt, or lemon juice) or when heated.
2. Browning in Baking: In baking, bases can facilitate the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that gives browned foods their distinctive flavor. Alkaline environments can enhance this browning. For instance, a small amount of baking soda in cookie dough can promote more browning and alter texture.
3. Softening Legumes and Vegetables: Adding a small amount of baking soda to the cooking water of legumes (like beans) or tough vegetables can soften them more quickly. The alkaline water partially breaks down their structure, making them tender.
4. Chinese Cuisine: Lye water, a strong alkaline solution, is used in making certain types of Chinese noodles and mooncakes. It gives these noodles their distinctive yellow color and springy texture.
5. Pretzel and Bagel Production: Lye (sodium hydroxide) or baking soda baths are used in making pretzels and bagels. Dipping the dough into an alkaline solution before baking gives these items their unique chewy texture and glossy brown crust.
6. Cocoa Processing: Dutch-process cocoa powder is treated with an alkaline solution to neutralize its natural acidity. This process darkens the cocoa, smooths its flavor, and makes it more soluble, ideal for certain recipes like hot chocolate and baked goods.
7. Saponification in Soap Making: While not a cooking process, it’s related to food in a broader sense. The process of making soap (saponification) involves a base (like lye) reacting with fats or oils. This same principle is used in some traditional cooking methods to create a similar reaction for specific culinary effects.
8. Hominy and Nixtamalization: In the preparation of hominy and the traditional Mesoamerican process of nixtamalization, corn kernels are soaked in an alkaline solution (usually limewater) to remove the hull and improve nutritional value. This process is crucial for making masa, used in tamales, tortillas, and other dishes.

At first I thought I caught ChatGPT in a lie when I saw soap on the list! But then I saw the disclaimer that indicated saponification is NOT a cooking process, but is included because it requires fats and oils. However if I were to use this list, I would remove it for possible use in a different context.

Generative AI has the potential to serve as a valuable thought partner for curriculum development. However, teachers need to be able to engage with AI as skilled users. There are many educational applications for AI, and its use is expanding exponentially. As a result teachers have a “professional responsibility to choose and deploy AI in ways that contribute to the healthy development of learners’ extended cognitive ecosystems, as well as provide insight into teachers’ future work and learning practices (Adams et al., 2023, p. 2).” 

References

Eggbert, J. E. & Roe, M. (n.d.). Modes of learning theory. Theoretical models for teaching and research. https://opentext.wsu.edu/theoreticalmodelsforteachingandresearch/chapter/96/ 

Likourezos, V. (2021, March 17). An introduction to cognitive load theory. The Education Hub. https://theeducationhub.org.nz/an-introduction-to-cognitive-load-theory/ 

MCW. (2022). Cognitive load theory: A guide to applying cognitive load theory to your teaching. Office of Educational Improvement, Medical College of Wisconsin. https://www.mcw.edu/-/media/MCW/Education/Academic-Affairs/OEI/Faculty-Quick-Guides/Cognitive-Load-Theory.pdf 

Mah, C., & Levine, S. (2023, February 26). How to use CHATGPT as an example machine. Cult of Pedagogy. https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/chatgpt-example-machine/ 

Rumelhart, D. & Norman, D. (1978). Accretion, tuning and restructuring: Three modes of learning. In. J.W. Cotton & R. Klatzky (eds.), Semantic Factors in Cognition. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. (2021). AI and education: Guidance for policy-makers. UNESCO. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark: /48223/pf0000376709