What does the word chemical mean to you?

By Katherine Haxton2016-03-11T00:00:00

Katherine Haxton discusses a recent survey about the public’s perception of chemistry

Chemists frequently complain their subject is misunderstood by the public, citing chemophobia as a key reason. Chemophobia has a variety of definitions, from an anxiety about chemistry, either in a learning environment or more generally, to an irrational fear of chemicals.¹

Regardless of the definition, this has significant implications for learning and teaching in chemistry, even more so if we consider students at all stages as being at the interface between public and expert. There are many common misconceptions about chemistry, chemists and chemicals but what implications do they have for the learning and teaching of chemistry?

In 2015, the Royal Society of Chemistry undertook a survey to gauge public attitudes in the UK towards chemistry.² Through a variety of methods, more than 2000 people over the age of 16 were surveyed on chemistry, chemists and chemicals. Members of the RSC were also asked to contribute.

Katherine Haxton discusses a recent survey about the public’s perception of chemistry, considering the perceptions of chemistry, both in the general populace and among students, knowledge of chemical vocabulary and how different titles can colour perceptions, and people's understanding of just what chemistry is.

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