Connecting chemical concepts with real-world applications has been demonstrated to increase persistence, student attitudes, and performance. In a one-semester general chemistry course, most laboratory exercises were designed to have direct implications on real-world issues, and students were asked to consider these implications. Students blogged about an issue related to one of the lab exercises and responded to classmates' blog postings. Surveys after the implementation of the application-based laboratory curriculum suggest students were able to more clearly connect course material with the societal impact of chemistry.