Chemistry teachers draw inspiration from Chalmers

The visit formed part of an ongoing professional development initiative for teachers in the municipality of Stenungsund. Participants included secondary school teachers from Hallernaskolan, Kristinadalsskolan and Stora Högaskolan, primary school head teacher  Dino Hajiric, and staff from Molekylverkstan Science Centre in Stenungsund.

“It is important that we do not view the school system and its progression, for example primary, and secondary education, as isolated islands. Our work and professional development need a shared thread. Academia plays an important complementary role. In this way, we gain a clear end point for what compulsory and upper secondary education should prepare pupils for in terms of abilities and skills,” says Dino Hajiric.

Collaboration is essential

Victoria Nyrén sees collaboration between schools and academia as essential for increasing interest in a subject that many pupils find challenging. It also aligns closely with the national strategy developed to boost interest in STEM subjects.

“We teach young people in subjects that some find difficult to grasp, and where pupils often have preconceived ideas about how difficult they are. For us as educators, it is important to be a source of inspiration – pupils have many questions about these subjects and how the world works. The more we learn, the better we become at addressing their questions and providing well-informed answers,” she says.

"Important that universities play a role"

Collaboration with schools and industry is a clear priority for the Department of Chemistry and Chemical. Ulf Jäglid, Assistant Head of Department for Education and coordinator of many of the department’s study visits, explains that these collaborations aim to highlight the importance of chemistry and chemical engineering in society and encourage students to pursue studies in the field.

“It is important that universities play a role in inspiring teachers so that they can motivate and engage pupils to discover and develop their interest in science and technology,” he says.

During the visit, four of the department’s researchers, Katherine Barber, Lidya Görür, Dolores Olausson and Mathilde Luneau, presented their research projects. They also shared their personal journeys and guided visitors through their laboratories.

Katherine Barber is a postdoctoral researcher in the Division of Chemical Engineering. She reflects on what it takes to succeed in a study and research environment within science and engineering.

“You don’t have to be the smartest to succeed – but you need strong drive. I think it is important to recognise and nurture the interests of children who enjoy baking, mixing, building and experimenting. I had those interests myself as a child, but I didn’t realise then that they provide a strong foundation for studying and working in science,” she says.

Lidya Görür, a doctoral student in the same division, agrees that childhood interests are and remain important. She has the privilege of applying her talents in her profession.

“As a child, I was very curious and read science magazines for kids. Now, I am reading scientific articles. I also loved mixing things together – and I still do, almost every day in my lab.”

Strengthens regional efforts

Dino Hajiric adds that collaboration between schools and universities can ultimately help ensure that Sweden and Swedish companies, particularly in development and innovation, have a strong domestic recruitment base.

“Molekylverkstan Science Centre also acts as an extension of pupils’ learning here in Stenungsund. It strengthens our joint regional efforts to help pupils succeed in school and to increase interest in STEM subjects,” he says.

By engaging with Chalmers’ environments, research and ways of working, the staff at Molekylverkstan hope to spark even greater curiosity and sense of discovery among the pupils they meet. They also aim to explain to children and young people why chemical companies are located in Stenungsund, what they contribute, and the opportunities they offer as employers.

Inspired by the optimism of science

Victoria Nyrén summarises the day as rewarding and inspiring.

“I came away from the visit with a sense of hopefulness about the research. There are many solutions to the problems humanity has created, and it has been a pleasure to gain insight into the research being carried out at Chalmers,” she says, and continues:

“I will also remember the importance of recognising children who enjoy experimenting and tinkering, for example in a laboratory or while baking. These pupils could in the future become doctoral candidates at a university and perhaps go on to develop exciting innovations.”