Experiments instead of the periodic table

Many students simply tune out during chemistry class. The periodic table of elements drives some to desperation; others are bewildered the plethora of complicated formulas. “When students are allowed to conduct practical experiments, they are much more motivated to learn—and willing to come to grips with the theoretical fundamentals,” says Andrea Bappert, 46, a chemistry teacher at Emmastraße Secondary School in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

Ms. Bappert and her colleague Gudrun Krapf, 54, are taking part in a seminar for chemistry teachers at the Marl Chemical Park. Donning white lab coats and protective goggles, and in a laboratory normally used by chemical apprentices, the two are conducting an experiment to make adhesives from organic substances like short-grain rice and gelatine.

“Synthetics and Adhesives” is the name of the seminar. It is the eighth such training program for chemistry teachers jointly organized by the Westphalia Chemical Employers’ Association, the Evonik Group, and the Dortmund Center for Continuing Education for Chemistry Teachers. At the end of the day, the 14 participating teachers will take home instructions for 30 chemical experiments they can conduct with their students. “The goal is to facilitate attractive experiments that don’t cost much money,” said Marius Olechowski, 52, an instructor at the chemical park. Substances used in the experiments include potatoes, gummy bears, and sugar.

The overall project seeks out a higher goal–namely to get young people excited about the subject of chemistry. In Germany, the northern Ruhr Valley is a major industrial center for chemistry and chemical products, and the Marl Chemical Park is the region’s largest employer. Top managers shudder to think that it might one day be difficult to fill positions with qualified employees.

“We want to go into the schools and spark students’ interest in chemistry,” said Bernd Brucker, 44, who is responsible for communication and education at the Ruhr/Westphalia Employers’ Association. “And to do that, we need to have the teachers help us.” The goal is to keep courses lively and stem the flight of students from natural science courses.

Ingrid Kasten, 57, a teacher at Haltern Gymnasium, a high school, welcomes the efforts of the employers association. She has participated in several seminars like this one, and includes experiments in all of her lesson plans on a nearly daily basis. She stresses that practical experiments and theoretical instruction are an ideal combination. "It’s very important for the students to conduct the experiments themselves."

Several hundred students per year complete internships at the Marl Chemical Park. The positions chemical plant technician and chemical laboratory assistant are the most important professions in the chemical industry. The Employers' Association of the Chemical Industry places a high priority on making it into the so-called top 10 professions—which at present include auto mechanic and electrician, hairdresser, and business merchant—by interesting more young people in chemistry. “Chemistry is a good alternative,” agrees Gudrun Krapf of Gelsenkirchen. She encourages her students to seek careers in the chemical industry. She says graduates of secondary schools with a 10-B degree will be able to find attractive opportunities in the industry.