Public misconceptions of chemistry Chemistry is BAD & DANGEROUS regularly linked to drugs and explosives natural = goodchemical = bad synthetic = bad advertising –“chemical free” products –“acid” and “alkaline” foods –positive/negative ion therapy –botox treatments

Public misconceptions of chemistry Chemistry is HARD only smart people understand chemistry disconnect between educational practices and everyday world

Public misconceptions of chemistry PERPETUATING the misconceptions advertising targets public fears & misconceptions improper & confusing use of terminology strong public and legal response when natural therapies and natural/herbal products are questioned

Public misconceptions of chemistry PERPETUATING the misconceptions public figures have bad memories of chemistry (politicians, business leaders) ignorance is bliss –what we don’t know can’t hurt us –everything is a chemical –labeling, transport, and storage regulations are minimal for public

Public misconceptions of chemistry PERPETUATING the misconceptions banning of most chemicals in K-12 chemistry teachers afraid of chemistry & chemicals no chemistry focused science fair projects! *chemists* – we perpetuate misconceptions!

Public misconceptions of chemistry STRATEGIES to change misconceptions must get the audience to listen take back the terminology expose misconceptions education –incorporate misconceptions into curriculum –adapt HS & PS curriculum to emphasize everyday applications of chemistry –teach safety, awareness, & respect for chemicals run for public office

Public misconceptions of chemistry Is chemistry perceived to be worse than other sciences? *yes!* math: hard physics: hard –nuclear science is worse, but controllable –astronomy has positive image chemistry: hard & dangerous biology: environmental indicator of problems –some ethics issues (cloning, placental stem cells)