UEW Chemistry Outreach Programme Enlightens JHS Students on Climate Solutions
The Department of Chemistry Education at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), has held a chemistry outreach programme for Junior High School (JHS) students in the Effutu Municipality.
The event, themed “Chemistry for Climate Solutions,” took place at the Nsuekyir Community Conference Centre on Thursday, 27th June, 2024, and brought together students and teachers from four selected schools in Winneba.
The programme aimed to illuminate the crucial role chemistry plays in addressing global challenges such as plastic pollution and climate change. It featured five interactive stands, each designed to educate participants on different chemistry concepts.
At the first stand, students learned about ocean acidification and the detrimental effects of carbon dioxide on marine life. They were encouraged to engage in environmentally friendly practices such as tree planting and waste segregation to combat these effects.
The second stand focused on greenhouse gases, providing insights into gases that cause global warming and promoting proper waste management to capture methane for biogas use. The third stand highlighted plastic reuse, teaching participants effective ways to manage and reuse plastics in their daily lives.
Experiments on glacier ice and its impact on coastal communities were demonstrated at the fourth stand, using playdough to simulate the effects of melting ice on sea levels.
The final stand explained diaper chemistry, showcasing the science behind diaper production and its role in childcare.
Prof. Emmanuel Oppong, Head of the Department of Chemistry Education and chairman of the event, emphasised the importance of environmental stewardship. He urged students to adopt sustainable practices and avoid littering, stating, "Treat the environment as your own for a better future. Live as friends of the environment to ensure a good life for all."
Prof. Arkoful Sam, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Science Education at UEW, encouraged students to share the knowledge gained from the programme with their communities. He expressed confidence in the future generation of chemists, saying, "As the years roll by, you will be the next generation of chemists transforming Ghana. We are investing in the scientific human capital of the nation."
The event featured distinguished members of the chemistry outreach team, including Mrs. Claudia Quayson (project lead), Dr. Ernest Koranteng, Mr. Twumasi Ankrah Kwarteng, Ms. Esther Nartey, Dr. Mbage Bawa, and Dr. Boniface Yaayin. Ms. Caren Dedoo, the Effutu Municipal Science Coordinator, also graced the occasion.
This chemistry outreach programme not only educated young minds but also inspired a commitment to sustainable practices, fostering a generation ready to tackle environmental challenges through the power of science.
