Performing chemistry

For science graduates, the ability to communicate abstract knowledge in an engaging manner, especially to non-specialists, is highly desirable. This ability is relevant in all areas of professional life, including for science communication, public engagement, funding proposals and influencing policy. We believe innovative techniques such as open-space learning (OSL) can help build these communication skills.

OSL applies the theories and practices of theatrical workshops to the university curriculum. It aims to help teachers and learners reach beyond the traditional boundaries of their disciplines and broaden course learning outcomes. For example, abstract chemical concepts, such as electron exchange and chemical reactivity, can be made physically vivid and more memorable in an OSL workshop.

Read on to find out how chemistry students at the University of Warwick in the UK and at Monash University in Australia have been using OSL methods in a collaborative project, Performing Chemistry, since 2012.