The emphasis on poetry as a tool to enhance scientific literacy and chemistry learning does not intend to be universal. Not all chemistry teachers have the necessary skills and motivation to merge poetry with chemistry. Nonetheless, we think that chemistry classes should open their doors and seek interdisciplinary bonds. Poetry and creative writing are only one of many ways to establish such bonds, but it is one particularly dear to the authors.
Depending on their own motivations, interests, and skills, teachers may offer their students opportunities to learn chemistry while developing transversal skills (such as critical thinking or creativity).
Ultimately, a certain degree of specialization is needed. The problem is not specialization itself but the common process of specialization as a socially selective mechanism. As Bourdieu and Passeron3 point out, academic content tends to lose its social value. At least, we may hope that through the diversification of opportunities, school may contribute to bridge the gaps between included and excluded students.
It is of great importance that future chemists, researchers, and practitioners may share a humanistic and critical view of their practice. Chemistry, objective as it may be, is not only present in nature: it is embedded in social and institutional structures. Thus, changing the way students typically perceive chemistry may help change society for the better.