Chemistry and Explosives: An Approach to the Topic through an Artistic and Historical Contribution Made by a Spanish Global Explosives Supplier

We present ideas about how to incorporate discussion of a paintings collection in chemistry classrooms. Specifically, it is a collection of paintings that have illustrated calendars since 1900, from a traditional Spanish explosives' company (founded by Alfred Nobel and now known as Maxam). The case is discussed in relation to the "chemistry in context" literature. Through suggested activities, students are encouraged to discuss a wide variety of topics of general chemistry (nomenclature, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, etc.) and other topics, such as chemistry of explosives, history and ethics of science and technology, the origin of the Nobel prizes, introduction to the chemical industry, chemistry of fireworks, and environmental chemistry, among others.