Innovative Science Education During the Pandemic: A New Normal
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During the Covid-19 pandemic, which began in 2020, lockdown measures significantly disrupted education worldwide. The implications were vast, affecting not only academic learning but also the mental health of students and educators, with potential long-term effects on economies and social disparities. However, this crisis also prompted a shift towards technology in education, encouraging educators to rethink their curricula.
This article highlights a particularly encouraging development: the resourcefulness of chemistry and biology teachers at various high schools and universities who, despite not having access to traditional labs, successfully engaged their students in hands-on science experiments from home. They created activities and tools that students could use or construct on their own. Activities ranged from observing chemical reactions using DIY equipment to employing augmented reality apps that simulated molecular modeling or laboratory processes directly on students’ devices. A notable aspect of these initiatives is their foundation in a vibrant Geek Culture, which is the focus of this piece.
Contents
- Home Experiments with DIY Lab Equipment and Smartphones
- Web-Based Augmented Reality in Chemistry and Biology
- Educational Videos and Science Channels
- Opportunities for Students to Develop Computer Skills
- Final Thoughts
- Additional Resources and Key Links
Home Experiments with DIY Lab Equipment and Smartphones
Low-cost laboratory devices that require minimal expertise have been around for some time but have gained traction in the last decade. Advances in 3D printing, open hardware initiatives, and online communities have facilitated the rise of inexpensive instruments for educational purposes. Organizations like TReND in Africa have also played a pivotal role in promoting accessible research tools.
Examples of DIY equipment developed within this Geek Culture include open-source designs for spectrometers that can analyze UV, visible, and infrared light, as well as devices like centrifuges and microscopes. While some DIY instruments necessitate a certain level of technical knowledge, others can be assembled from everyday materials, occasionally supplemented with 3D-printed components.
Modern smartphones, equipped with various sensors, have become essential tools in DIY science. Numerous free apps allow users to log data from these sensors in real time, enabling experiments without the need for complex setups. For instance, some educators have utilized webcam-based spectrophotometers costing around $20 to analyze emission and absorption spectra, providing students the chance to explore concepts like Beer’s law and enzymatic reactions.
Web-Based Augmented Reality in Chemistry and Biology
The use of augmented reality (AR) on common devices such as smartphones and tablets has surged in popularity over the past decade. Educators have harnessed this technology to create engaging educational activities. With widespread smartphone access, particularly in middle-income countries, web-based AR applications have become an effective tool for teaching.
My colleagues and I developed a site called moleculARweb, which offers various AR-based educational activities to visualize concepts in chemistry and biology. These activities allow students to interact with 3D models, deepening their understanding of molecular structures and biological processes. For a glimpse into what moleculARweb offers, videos showcasing these activities are available on my YouTube channel.
Educational Videos and Science Channels
The internet offers a wealth of educational content across various subjects, even advanced topics like quantum physics. Many YouTube channels have emerged that focus on science communication, some becoming influential figures in the field. Notable channels include Veritasium and PBS Space Time in English, and Quantum Fracture and El Robot de Platon in Spanish.
Video content is particularly engaging and effective for conveying complex ideas, often surpassing traditional teaching methods. Many educators have adapted by recording their lessons and making them available online, allowing students to learn at their own pace. Some instructors even documented their laboratory experiments, providing valuable resources for remote learners.
Opportunities for Students to Develop Computer Skills
The pandemic increased screen time for students and educators alike, leading many to explore programming and bioinformatics. With programming skills now essential across various fields, introducing students to languages like Python or web development basics early on can be invaluable. Platforms such as Jupyter notebooks and Google Colab make this learning both accessible and enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
The pandemic has introduced numerous innovative educational tools that may become part of our "new normal." For example, many professors recorded their lectures and shared them freely online, allowing for more flexible and efficient teaching methods. In the future, educators might leverage these resources to enhance in-person discussions and practical activities, fostering a better learning environment.
Additionally, the legacy of this period may include hybrid learning models, more adaptable deadlines, and a blend of high-tech and DIY experimental approaches. Once again, the Geek Culture has played a crucial role in this transition.
Additional Resources and Key Links
For more articles on specific DIY activities and instruments, visit ChemEdXchange and the Journal of Chemical Education. To explore the broader impact of the pandemic on education, see various research papers available online.
For insights into the moleculARweb project, including the technology behind it and its educational applications, check our website and related publications.
I am passionate about nature, science, technology, and DIY projects. As a biotechnologist and chemist, I cover a wide range of topics within these interests. Explore more of my writings, and consider becoming a Medium member to access a variety of content.