Students in Honors Chemistry and German 3 collaborated to create a German Scientists Museum, transforming a Harrison High School classroom into a showcase of innovation, history and language.

The project highlighted more than 30 influential German chemists and inventors, from Nobel Prize winner Fritz Haber, known for both groundbreaking and controversial contributions, to Max Planck, regarded as the father of quantum theory.

German teacher Amanda Beck says the partnership allows students to see that language learning extends far beyond vocabulary and grammar. “It shows students that German speakers have relevance and that they’ve made important impacts in the world,” Beck says. “Many of the things we use every day come from German inventors and scientists, and students can now see that connection.”

Students in German 3 researched and wrote short biographical paragraphs in German, showcasing their writing skills. Meanwhile, chemistry students explored the scientific impact of these figures, adding historical context and technical understanding.

Science teacher Taylor Owings says the collaboration helps students appreciate the complexity and humanity of these scientists. “They’re not just bright minds, they’re people with stories,” Owings says. “For example, Fritz Haber won a Nobel Prize but was also arrested for war crimes. It helps students see that history and science are full of nuance.”

Sophomore Gia Guida, who takes both classes, created a display on physicist Max Planck. She says researching him through both a scientific and cultural lens gave her a deeper appreciation of his work and character.

“His big discovery was quantum theory,” Guida says. “He was friends with Albert Einstein, and they often played music together— Planck on piano and Einstein on violin. I thought that was really interesting because it showed he wasn’t just a scientist; he was a person with other passions.”

The museum demonstrates how chemistry, like language, connects people across time and place, and shows students that discovery and innovation are truly universal.