LUMAT-B: International Journal on Math, Science and Technology Education

Chemical safety training in chemistry teacher education

Johannes Pernaa, Outi Haatainen, Emmi Vuorio, Reija Pesonen, Maija Aksela — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0300

Experimental work is essential in chemistry education, and chemical safety is the base of all laboratory work. Therefore, chemistry teacher education studies must include a chemical safety training. In this poster we describe the chemical safety learning path implemented in the chemistry teacher education in the University of Helsinki.

Virtual laboratories in chemical and laboratory safety education

Samuel Girmay — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0300

We present a next-generation web-based 360° virtual laboratory safety training which a mandatory training for all the students and staff members in Aalto chemical engineering department. We collected feedback from the students and staff members in Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering and University of Eastern Finland. The feedback of training was highly positive. In the open feedback, students reported significant decrease of anxiety and stress as well as better understanding different aspects of chemical and laboratory safety. Overall, results indicate that the virtual laboratory is effective and efficient tool for laboratory and chemical safety training.

Silver nanoparticles green synthesis

Aleksi Takala, Outi Haatainen, Emmi Vuorio, Reija Pesonen — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0300

Nanoparticles are 1–100 nm in diameter and exhibit unique qualities that are different in comparison to the same elements on a larger scale. These properties make nanoparticles widely used in various industries and consumer products. However, silver nanoparticles are a cause for concern because they are biologically active and potentially toxic. In this paper, we present a safe green synthesis workshop for silver nanoparticles that aim to engage students to have discussions regarding chemistry in a safer manner based on green synthesis and green chemistry. A Likert scale questionnaire was produced and implemented, and the results (N=7) indicated positive but inconclusive results regarding interest and understanding of concepts. The revision of the workshop and the further study of the topic aims to better accomplish these tasks.

Chemistry for sustainable recycling

Lasse Eriksson — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0300

The newly developed course (7.5 hp) in ”Chemistry for Sustainable Recycling” gives an overview and chemistry background on subjects related to a few different recycling projects. The course is composed of lectures and four different lab project (3 days each) with a follow up seminar.

1. Recycling of metals from E-waste, PCB (Al, Au and Cu).
2. Recycling of batteries (Litium, Cobalt, Manganese and NiMH).
3. Recycling of plastic (PET).
4. Recycling of phosphate from wastewater sludge and comparison with horse manure.

Many recycling processes do involve several chemicals where security issues are very important. A long-term goal would be to minimize the environmental impact as well from chemicals as the consumption of energy. Lab procedures in this very course do not exactly mimic industrially applicable processes in many cases but are intended to demonstrate important chemistry concepts.

Chemical safety in Stockholm schools

Jonny Gullstrand — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0300

This abstract outline the efforts of the Education Administration at the city of Stockholm to promote chemical safety in our schools. Emphasizing the schools' obligation to prevent illness and accidents, the Education Administration offers support and guidance to ensure a safe teaching environment for chemistry. There are a total of 170 municipal schools in Stockholm, of which 80 of them have chemistry and science education. These include both junior high schools (year 7–9) and senior high schools (year 10–12). Upper stages before going to college.

Chemical safety at Kungsholmens gymnasium

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0300

This poster describes the chemical safety processes implemented in the Kungsholmens gymnasium in Stockholm Sweden.