In this project, van Schaick, Hansen, and Vermeeren are developing a teaching module Digital Chemistry featuring, among others, digital demonstration experiments for high schools to bring various chemistry concepts to life.
In high schools, chemistry is traditionally seen as a science where researchers conduct experiments in the lab. However, in today’s chemical research, the computer is indispensable. The modern chemist seeks to create synergy between the lab and the computer. This approach underscores the need to give computers a more prominent role in chemistry education at high schools. In this project, they are developing a Digital Chemistry teaching module that complements the current chemistry curriculum and can play a reinforcing role by bringing various chemical concepts to life. To achieve this, they will work on building a database of digital demonstration experiments and a short teaching module featuring computer-based practical exercises. This innovative educational material will help excite students early on about the diverse aspects of chemistry and its intersections with other scientific disciplines.
The Landelijk Overleg Bètadecanen has awarded van Schaick, Hansen, and Vermeeren an outreach grant, providing them with 120,000 euros over the next three years to develop and implement the teaching modules. These grants are aimed at promoting initiatives that inspire students from a young age to pursue science and technology, with the ultimate goal of educating the next generation of scientists. Projects in fields such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, or interdisciplinary STEM initiatives are eligible for this grant.