Using a Deliberation of Energy Policy as an Educational Tool in a Nonmajors Chemistry Course
-
Sara A. Mehltretter Drury [1] ; Kyle Stucker [1] ; Anthony Douglas [1] ; Ryan A. Rush [1] ; Walter R. P. Novak [1] ; Laura M. Wysocki [1]
-
[1] Wabash College
Wabash College
Township of Union, Estados Unidos
-
- Localización: Journal of chemical education, ISSN 0021-9584, Vol. 93, Nº 11, 2016, págs. 1879-1885
- Idioma: inglés
- Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
-
Resumen
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.
