Using 'household chemistry projects' to develop research skills and to teach scientific writing

The scientific writing course at California State University, San Marcos helps students develop research skills as well as proposal and technical writing skills by making students design the project they write about. Students must write a research proposal for a project they choose and design using household chemicals and equipment. The instructor evaluates both the writing and the experiment design, given students the opportunity to experience real research in that their projects are self-generated and promoted.