This document discusses trends in recreational science and pursuing science careers. It summarizes that governments are concerned about declining students in physical science, technology, engineering and math. Recreational science aims to entertain while teaching basic science concepts. The document also notes chemistry's poor public image due to concerns over pollution and drugs, but communication and education may help improve its image. It describes a science trail created in Girona, Spain to showcase chemistry in an accessible way around the city and efforts to promote science through events, TV shows, art and molecular modeling.

1. IMAGINE! - SOME TRENDS IN RECREATIONAL
SCIENCE AND
THE PURSUE OF SCIENCE CAREERS
M. Duran, J. Duran,
M. Sodupe, E. Constantino and R. Ríos
Universitat de Girona and
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
http://innociencia.net
Edutainers
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2. What O2 for some people...
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3. What (forensic) chemistry is for
others...
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4. What chemistry is for most
people...
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7. • When discussing the traditional and new missions of
higher education (1996 Report to UNESCO of the
International Comision on Education for the 21st Century)
Jacques Delors stated that "Excessive attraction to social
sciences has broken equilibrium of available graduates
for workforce, thus causing doubts of graduates and
employers on the quality of knowledge provided by higher
education".
• Likewise, when discussing the progress of science and
technology, the 1998 UNESCO World Conference on
Higher Education concluded that "Another challenge
concerts the latest advancements of Science, the sine
qua non of sustainable development"; and that “with
Information Technology, the unavoidable invasion of
virtual reality has increased the distance between
industrial and developing countries".
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8. • Lately, there has been a growing concern about the lack
of physical science, mathematics and engineering
students, in such a way that governments, namely those
of Germany, France or Italy, have undergone special
programmes to attract and lure students. That situation
has arrived already to Spain, which has seen a steadily
decline in the number of students in engineering and
chemistry, where classrooms were full ten years ago and
are half-empty nowadays.
• Recreational Science has a long tradition all over the
Educational World; it aims to show the basic aspects of
Science, aims to entertain, and aims to induce thinking.
Until a few years ago, this field of knowledge consisted
of a few books, a few kits and other classical (yet
innovative) ways to popularize the knowledge of Nature
and the laws governing it.
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9. • In Spain, the interest for recreational science has
increased in the last years. First, new recreational books
are being published and found in bookstores. Second the
number of Science-related museums and exhibits is
increasing. And third, new television shows are produced
and new short science-based, superficial sketches are
found in variety programs. However, actual programs in
Spanish television dealing seriously with Science are
scarce.
• Recreational Science, especially that related to physical
phenomena like light or motion, is generally found at
Science Museums because special equipment is
required. On the contrary, Science related mathematics,
quizzes and puzzles use to gather into books, e.g. the
extensive collections by Martin Gardner.
• Howeer, lately Science podcasts have entered the field of
science communication. Not only traditional science
journals and television channels are providing audio and
video podcasts, but new websites deal exclusively with
science podcasts, in particular on Recreational Science.
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10. Nature, 3 august 2006
Far from being extinct, Chemistry is a
victim of its own success. For instance,
if has provided us the tools and
concepts to solve questions in life
scinces which were formerly totally
impenetrable”
(Editorial, p. 486)
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11. Nature, 3 august 2006
But what of the third basic science in the
curriculum? To judge from the scant
attention chemistry gets in the public
media, you could be forgiven for thinking
that it is a discipline whose time has
passed, its grand puzzles all now
answered. Does chemistry have any big
questions left?
(P. Ball, p. 500)
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12. La Vanguardia, 3/8/2006
Lately, one can see some refusal toward the role
of chemistry in present society. This is due to a
misunderstanding ot what chemistry actually is.
Who is guilty for that? Indeed, the lack of
knowledge of this science, which itself is
promoted by the behavior of chemists.
(F. Albericio, Director PCB, “La buena química”)
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13. Royal Society of Chemistry
Concerns over pollution and drugs causing problems have
contributed to chemistry’s poor image
• Many believe chemistry’s image can be improved
through good communication and education
• There appears to be the start of a positive shift in the
public perception of chemistry
• Chances are if you are reading this article then you are
boring, eccentric and socially awkward.
• This is apparently what school children think, according
to recent studies. Children, as young as eight years old,
already have strong preconceptions about what it means
to be a chemist.
(The Changing Images of Chemistry, Chemistry World,
12/2004)
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14. SUCCESSES AND FAILURES OF ENHANCING
THE BRIDGE BETWEEN SECONDARY
AND HIGHER EDUCATION.
PROJECT LAQUIMICA.NET
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15. Girona, a monumental city
didactic potential of the itineraries is
well known
Chemistry is everywhere
Goal: to show the kindest face of chemistry
11 stops, about 2 kilometres
The same structure:
Easy explanation
Pictures and graphics
Experiments
Did you know it?
Exercices
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16. Introduction to industrial background
of Girona. Concepts of atomic structure
Font: CRDI. Ajuntament de Girona Foto LUX
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17. Materials used in construction: clay,
bricks and pottery. Limestones and
concrete.
Experiment: reaction between
hydrochloric acid and limestone
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18. Electron. Electrochemistry: chromium,
nickel, and silver-plate. Alloys: brass,
bronze.
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19. Mathematical and Chemical Magic
• Magic performances
• Chemical Magic
• Mathematical Magic
• Mental Magic
• Using magic as an educational tool
• Humor, juggling, etc.
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20. Researcher’s Night
Girona, 28/9/2997
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25. Science Week,
Nov’2007
Girona
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33. NOWADAYS
• TV Shows on Science
• Triviality
• Spectacularity
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34. Art and Science
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35. Art and Science
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36. Molecular Modeling
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38. Take-home message: Maybe
Science is difficult, but it should not
be more difficult that other fields.
Our duty is to make it evident.
We can do it.
See also poster on
JOURNEY INSIDE
MOLECULES
Our favorite
scientist
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