O'Donoghue John, Doménech Natalia García, Tully Dearbhla, McGoldrick Niamh, McArdle Fiona, Connolly Mary, Otway David J, Daly Will, Keeney Lynette, Horgan Mervyn
School of Chemistry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland D02 P3X2.
School of Life Sciences, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland F91 YW50.
J Chem Educ. 2024 Nov 1;101(11):5089-5096. doi: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.4c01123. eCollection 2024 Nov 12.
Chemistry is often associated with formal learning environments and has been described as overly serious by the general public, lacking some of the fun and energy of other sciences. However, it is difficult to provide hands-on chemistry activities outside the lab and other formal learning environments. Here, a simple electrochemistry based activity has been used for public engagement using household items and play dough to create a fun and playful experience for all ages. The benefits afforded by outdoor learning for developing curiosity and interest in science has also been explored through different event formats. The use of a "Smiley Stand" with "emojis" for gathering participant feedback was successfully deployed alongside interviews with the "Ambassadors" who facilitated the activity. Overall, it was found that the activity encouraged two-way conversations between the participants and the ambassadors, with few negative responses and many positive ones received. The activity also impacted the ambassadors' own view of science.
化学常常与正规的学习环境联系在一起，并且被公众描述为过于严肃，缺乏其他一些科学所具有的趣味性和活力。然而，在实验室和其他正规学习环境之外，很难提供亲自动手的化学活动。在此，一项基于简单电化学原理的活动被用于公众参与，利用家庭用品和橡皮泥为各个年龄段的人创造了一种有趣好玩的体验。通过不同的活动形式，还探索了户外学习对培养科学好奇心和兴趣的益处。一个带有“表情符号”的“笑脸站”被成功用于收集参与者的反馈，同时还对协助开展活动的“大使”进行了访谈。总体而言，发现该活动促进了参与者与大使之间的双向交流，收到的负面反馈很少，正面反馈很多。该活动也影响了大使们自己对科学的看法。
