Increasing Public Engagement in Chemistry and Science: Methods and Resources

The Global map shows sea temperature rises of 0.5 to 1 degree Celsius; land temperature rises of 1 to 2 degree Celsius; and Arctic temperature rises of up to 4 degrees Celsius.

OHS Earns Regional Science Olympiad Win - Oakdale Leader

The image on the left clearly shows that the earth is experiencing a very dangerous warming trend. The image on the right shows Oakdale High Students celebrating a win in the Stanislaus County (CA) Regional Science Olympiad.

Opportunity sometimes follows times of adversity and disaster. If used appropriately, the pandemic could result in a surge of interest in science. Soon after Sputnik put the U.S. behind in the space race, several science education reform efforts were instituted that emphasized hands-on learning (ESS, COPES, AIMS, GEMS, SAPA, SCIS, USMES and more, see: https://www.nap.edu/read/4966/chapter/9 ). Despite quality content, it is not clear that these programs have resulted in an upward trend in science literacy.

According to a 2007 report (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070218134322.htm ), only 28% of Americans are scientifically literate. This is especially alarming as science has an increasing role in our personal lives and in society. Perhaps the most important and pressing issue is global climate change. While 59% of Americans recognize that humans are causing global warming, only 45% recognize that they are already being harmed (https://climatecommunication.yale.edu/publications/climate-change-in-the-american-mind-november-2019/2/ ). To meet the challenge posed by climate change, societal attitudes must be improved. To accomplish this goal, the level of science literacy and especially of climate change science education must be significantly raised. Educators and scientists should accept the responsibility of making the public aware of the importance of science literacy.

While this site is intended to provide useful information on all of the sciences, as I am a chemist, there is undoubtedly an emphasis on chemistry. Some chemistry organizations use the term chemistry outreach to characterize these efforts. One of the leaders of the movement, Bassam Shakhashiri, and the AAAS appropriately prefer public engagement as this term emphasizes that this effort should involve interaction and is a two way street. Having scientists reach out without a response will not yield lasting improvements.

There are many approaches that should be applied as we strive to increase science literacy. Community science lectures, science demonstrations, science center exhibits, science contests and home experimentation are a few of the methods that can be used to turn people on to science. This site is intended to provide quick access to information on some of these topics.

Please send comments and suggestions to Steven Murov murovs@yosemite.edu http://murov.info http://murov.info/resume.htm