The case-study method of instruction is increasing in popularity and instructors of various scientific disciplines are adopting this method for their courses. Its effectiveness suggests that there is a need for such resources to be used in chemistry education. In this paper we describe this method in detail and present our use of cases in a scientific communication course offered to undergraduate chemistry students at the University of São Paulo. The description of the method and the example of its use may be helpful for faculty members who wish to explore new ways to engage students more deeply in their learning and to reinvigorate their own teachig practice.
undergraduate education; case studies; chemistry
