Teaching introductory chemistry through world cultural heritage history

The present article details a quiz-style lesson for teaching three introductory chemistry concepts: the cleavage of rock salt as well as the oxidation and malleability of metals, through the history of chosen world cultural heritage sites, including the Wieliczka Salt Mine, the Statue of Liberty, and the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto. The described lesson comprises three questions aimed at promoting critical thinking. The responses to the designed questions were made by the students working in groups. While revealing the correct answers, three simple demonstrations were conducted to entice the students and to enhance their understanding of the discussed chemical concepts. The lesson was favorably received by the students and helped them to relate relevant chemical concepts to real-world situations.