Toward a Diverse Next-Generation Energy Workforce: Teaching Artificial Photosynthesis and Electrochemistry in Elementary Schools through Active Learning

Abstract

Artificial photosynthesis is a promising approach to generate commodity chemicals using abundant chemical feedstocks and renewable energy sources. Despite its importance, affordable and effective hands-on classroom activities that demonstrate artificial photosynthesis and teach key concepts, especially for primary school students, are lacking. Educating young students on this topic is a critical step in the development of the next-generation energy workforce, especially one that is diverse in race and gender. We hypothesize that an effective approach to educate a broad range of young students on the topic of artificial photosynthesis is through the use of an active learning-based lesson plan that employs cheap and accessible materials. This hypothesis is confirmed by evaluating the understanding of fifth grade students with a survey before and after a lesson plan on artificial photosynthesis that uses active-learning techniques and uses safe and highly accessible materials (baking soda, tap water, plastic jars, Ni coil, alligator clips, and a solar cell) to perform solar-powered water splitting. The lesson plan and survey questions are designed to align with the educational outcomes for fifth grade classrooms in California and to address four general learning objectives: (1) Motivations of Artificial Photosynthesis, (2) Applications of Artificial Photosynthesis, (3) Inputs and Outputs of Artificial Photosynthesis, and (4) Engineering Design for Artificial Photosynthesis. The survey data demonstrate a statistically significant improvement in overall student understanding from the lesson plan. Importantly, the data show that the lesson plan presented here is effective at narrowing the performance gap between minority students and overly represented groups.

Teaching Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage through Active Learning: Insights from Science Workshops

“…Batteries and fuel cells are instrumental in transportation, while electrolyzers offer efficient and sustainable pathways to convert chemicals into energy carriers and valuable feedstocks for industry. , The foundation of these technologies is electrochemistry, an interdisciplinary science that intertwines with the physical, biological, and chemical sciences . Electrochemistry has been responsible for many of the most significant advancements in human history, including the Li-ion battery, metal electroplating, and the chlor-alkali and Hall-Héroult processes. ,, Currently, electrochemistry is at the forefront of groundbreaking fields such as neuroscience and biosensors, proving its indispensable role in modern civilization. , Thus, educating students in electrochemistry is essential to accelerating the development of new technologies and building a sustainable society. ,− …”

“…Given the growing demand for trained electrochemists in academia and industry, there is an urgent need to enrich STEM curricula and reinvigorate undergraduate and graduate programs. ,, Introducing students to electrochemistry can spark their interest, encourage their pursuit of STEM careers, and increase enrollment and retention of minorities and women . Contextualizing education is also crucial in building a citizenry informed about the chemistry of climate change .…”

“…However, conventional teaching methods sometimes fail to establish connections between theory and real-world applications . Hands-on activities reinforce knowledge and boost student engagement. ,, In line with efforts to renew electrochemistry, education in electrochemical technology must foster stimulating environments, particularly for young generations. Interactive demonstrations and games have been used to convey energy conversion and storage concepts effectively. − Furthermore, experiments are vital for familiarizing students with instrumental analysis, data interpretation, and device operation. ,,, These approaches underscore the significance of electrochemistry and emphasize its critical role in society.…”

“…Strategies incorporating topics like multiscale modeling, programming, and electrochemical engineering have been implemented in higher education. ,,, Yet, there is a pressing need to develop stimulating methods to ignite interest among younger generations . An effective approach involves incorporating active learning. , Beyond explaining the fundamentals, these educational experiences utilize demonstrations, class discussions, and experiments linking the multiscale nature of electrochemistry with its applications and relevance. Active learning is critical to enhancing academic performance and mitigating the diversity “leakage” in STEM fields. , Furthermore, it is crucial for developing soft skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, communication, creativity, and systems thinking .…”

Impacting Career Choices of Historically Underserved Secondary Students by Designing Near-Peer Directed Acid–Base Thematic Laboratory Activities to Enhance STEM Interest

“…A review of the literature indicates several community colleges and universities have stepped up to bridge the gap by offering access to authentic laboratory interaction and experiences with professionals in STEM fields . Some of these programs are targeting high school students from underrepresented populations and have highlighted the key components making those programs effective. , The Xavier University of Louisiana’s Mobile Outreach for Laboratory Enrichment (XULA-MOLE) project is one of these efforts and was launched to address the scarcity of laboratory experiences for high school students, especially from historically underserved institutions of secondary education in the Greater New Orleans areas.…”