Public misconceptions of chemistry
Chemistry is BAD & DANGEROUS
• regularly linked to drugs and explosives
• natural = good
chemical = bad
synthetic = bad
• advertising
– “chemical free” products
– “acid” and “alkaline” foods
– positive/negative ion therapy
– botox treatments
http://www.zdravosloven.com/portal/statii/acid-alkaline-diet-456.html
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)