As an overaching theme for the study of chemical reactions in historical perspective, students will be introduced to the three dominant ways of viewing Nature. Before the first groups are assigned and the study of the combustion reaction begins, these three views of Nature and the hallmarks of each will be discussed. Following this philosophical introduction, students will be divided into small groups which they will keep for the study of each major reaction type. Each student will receive the outline presented at the end of this unit, "formatted" so that terms may be defined; processes outlined; notes on any topics for discussion recorded; ideas from brainstorming sessions listed The outlines will be due from each student at the conclusion of the unit, though the student may have completed it together with three different groups over the unit's duration. After each reaction and technology is studied, groups will reflect on which of the three views of Nature applied to the time period and chemical reactions and technologies just studied. Students will be required to cite specific examples of the philosophy of Nature which they feel is dominant in the part of Pittsburgh's history to which they are referring; or to the technologies to which they are referring.