Chemical Puns

I was recently reading the May/June 2022 issue of “The Science Teacher” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association.  In this issue, I read the “Idea Bank” column, written by Nick Thomas.  He wrote an article entitled, “Chemicals Gone Funny.”

Using humor in the classroom at any level can be a gamble for teachers and most have probably experienced students collectively rolling their eyes at a corny joke.  Puns, of course, frequently elicit that response along with the almost requisite group groan.  Yet this ancient and simple form of humor can effectively impart a message if carefully worded, although any attempt at a science pun relies on the teacher first ensuring students understand the scientific principles tied to the humor.