Using a Deliberation of Energy Policy as an Educational Tool in a Nonmajors Chemistry Course

A central goal of nonmajors chemistry courses is to instill within students the sense that chemistry does not occur in a vacuum but rather permeates everyday life. To encourage students to consider chemistry within the broader context of society and public policy, a week-long module in a survey cour...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of chemical education 2016-11, Vol.93 (11), p.1879-1885
Main Authors: Drury, Sara A. Mehltretter, Stucker, Kyle, Douglas, Anthony, Rush, Ryan A, Novak, Walter R. P, Wysocki, Laura M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Chemistry
College Science
Curricula
Education policy
Educational materials
Energy
Energy policy
Indiana
Interdisciplinary Approach
Learning Modules
Likert Scales
Modules
Nonmajors
Organic chemistry
Outcomes of Education
Perspective Taking
Problem Solving
Public Policy
Qualitative Research
Relevance (Education)
Science Activities
Science and Society
Science education
Science Instruction
Science Process Skills
Scientific Concepts
Statistical Analysis
Student Surveys
Students
Teaching Methods
Undergraduate Students
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Summary:A central goal of nonmajors chemistry courses is to instill within students the sense that chemistry does not occur in a vacuum but rather permeates everyday life. To encourage students to consider chemistry within the broader context of society and public policy, a week-long module in a survey course for nonmajors was designed to connect scientific principles and energy policy. This module featured a deliberative discussion to facilitate students’ evaluation and consideration of multiple viewpoints, rigorously examining different perspectives, trade-offs, benefits, and values represented in multiple alternatives. Our results demonstrate that this approach was highly impactful, resulting in several significant positive outcomes, including a deeper awareness of the connection between chemistry and other disciplines, an increased level of understanding and confidence in their knowledge, and a greater sense of urgency regarding energy policy.
ISSN:0021-9584
1938-1328
DOI:10.1021/acs.jchemed.6b00514