UEW Chemistry Outreach Programme Promotes STEM Education

The programme delved into the properties and behaviours of sugar, studying its chemical nature and importance in culinary arts and science experiments. Another popular session involved examining the intriguing world of chemical reactions and catalysts, crucial for advancing technologies and developing sustainable solutions.

One of the most fascinating demonstrations was the science behind diaper absorption, where students learned about superabsorbent polymers such as sodium polyacrylate. This session underscored the relevance of chemistry in developing practical applications that enhance everyday life.

Dr. Ernest Koranteng, the programme coordinator, welcomed participants, emphasising the project's mission to expose young minds to chemistry's wonders. "The sole aim is to inspire students to pursue science, enriching their lives and contributing to global development. This year's theme, ‘The Wonders of Chemistry for Tomorrow,’ showcases chemistry's impact on daily life, encouraging students to explore science careers,” he said.

Dr. Koranteng stressed that the outreach aimed to help students understand the relevance of science and to encourage them to commit to learning, as they are the next doctors, engineers, or vaccine developers. He expressed gratitude to partners, including the American Chemical Society, for their support.

Prof. Victus Samlafo, Dean of the Faculty of Science Education at UEW and the chairman of the occasion, urged students to develop strong mathematical foundations to excel in science, particularly chemistry. He highlighted chemistry's pervasive role in everyday life, from clothing and food to engineering, stressing its importance. He commended organisers, teachers, and students for their participation, expressing hopes for the sustenance of the initiative.

Prof. Ruby Hanson, a professor of chemistry at UEW, underscored the omnipresence of chemistry in daily life. "Chemistry is life, and you are chemistry," she stressed, echoing the event's theme. She highlighted chemistry's role in everyday activities, from morning routines to nutrition. “When you wake up, it is all about chemistry; the water you drink, toothpaste, food, and everything,” she stated.

Prof. Hanson urged students to engage actively, asking questions and drawing conclusions from observations. "Find out how things happen; do not rely on others' explanations. This way, you will remember better and apply knowledge throughout your life," she advised.

Dr. Bawa Mbage, a lecturer at the Department of Chemistry Education, urged students and teachers to embrace chemistry as a solution to environmental challenges. He emphasised making chemistry accessible and enjoyable. He noted that chemistry is often perceived as complex but could be simplified through engaging teaching methods. He appealed to teachers to adopt interactive methods, fostering curiosity.

Dr. Mbage cited examples of smart technologies tackling pollution elsewhere, such as scanner codes detecting litter. "Can our future generation develop similar innovative solutions to environmental problems?" he asked. He encouraged students to pursue chemistry careers, leveraging African talent. "You are just as brilliant as your international counterparts; the opportunity is the key difference," he stressed.

The UEW Chemistry Outreach Programme continues strengthening its role as a conduit for promoting STEM education, equipping students with the knowledge and inspiration to pursue careers that could contribute significantly to technological and scientific advancements.