Interdisciplinary Project-Based Learning Activity Design for Investigating Nitrogen Fixation through a Scientific Exploration Lens

This study formulates interdisciplinary project-based learning (IDPBL) activities for high school third-year students, centered on the theme of “Investigating Nitrogen Fixation through a Scientific Exploration Lens”. The project systematically addresses the mechanisms of biological and chemical nitrogen fixation, industrial condition optimization, and biomimetic innovation design. Through four key instructional modules, including exploration of molecular structures, analysis of condition optimization, biomimetic catalyst design, and future prospects, the activity integrates visualization tools and cutting-edge case studies to guide students in understanding the stability of the nitrogen–nitrogen triple bond, the selection rationale for ammonia synthesis reaction conditions, and the significance of interdisciplinary integration. Implementation results demonstrate that students successfully established a “structure determines properties” cognitive model, mastered thermodynamic and kinetic approaches to optimizing industrial production, and proposed innovative solutions such as electrochemical biomimetic nitrogen fixation. The findings validate the remarkable effectiveness of IDPBL in enhancing students’ scientific literacy, innovation capacity, and problem-solving skills, providing a practical reference for science education reform.