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Public misconceptions of chemistry

Explore public misconceptions of chemistry, from the negative associations with drugs and explosives to the disconnect between education and reality. Discover strategies to change perceptions through education and safety awareness.

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Public misconceptions of chemistry

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  1. Public misconceptions of chemistry Chemistry is BAD & DANGEROUS • regularly linked to drugs and explosives • natural = goodchemical = bad synthetic = bad • advertising • “chemical free” products • “acid” and “alkaline” foods • positive/negative ion therapy • botox treatments

  2. http://www.zdravosloven.com/portal/statii/acid-alkaline-diet-456.htmlhttp://www.zdravosloven.com/portal/statii/acid-alkaline-diet-456.html

  3. Public misconceptions of chemistry Chemistry is HARD • only smart people understand chemistry • disconnect between educational practices and everyday world

  4. Public misconceptions of chemistry PERPETUATING the misconceptions • advertising targets public fears & misconceptions • improper & confusing use of terminology • strong public and legal response when natural therapies and natural/herbal products are questioned

  5. Public misconceptions of chemistry PERPETUATING the misconceptions • public figures have bad memories of chemistry (politicians, business leaders) • ignorance is bliss • what we don’t know can’t hurt us • everything is a chemical • labeling, transport, and storage regulations are minimal for public

  6. Public misconceptions of chemistry PERPETUATING the misconceptions • banning of most chemicals in K-12 • chemistry teachers afraid of chemistry & chemicals • no chemistry focused science fair projects! • *chemists* – we perpetuate misconceptions!

  7. Public misconceptions of chemistry STRATEGIES to change misconceptions • must get the audience to listen • take back the terminology • expose misconceptions • education • incorporate misconceptions into curriculum • adapt HS & PS curriculum to emphasize everyday applications of chemistry • teach safety, awareness, & respect for chemicals • run for public office

  8. Public misconceptions of chemistry Is chemistry perceived to be worse than other sciences? *yes!* • math: hard • physics: hard • nuclear science is worse, but controllable • astronomy has positive image • chemistry: hard & dangerous • biology: environmental indicator of problems • some ethics issues (cloning, placental stem cells)

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