Electrochemistry is currently the least popular and worst answered question on the Leaving Cert Chemistry exam paper. But this is not hugely surprising, since it is only a small component of the main course and is mainly part of an optional section. But we need to spark a greater interest in this hugely important area if we are to make better use of green energy in Ireland. To reduce our dependence on fossil fuels for energy, we are going to need more researchers and projects to solve our current and future energy demands.
In addition to student school workshops and public engagement, our project also has a small Teacher Continuous Professional Development (CPD) component. The aim of this is to help teachers to teach this important area with new accessible resources and ideas. This will provide our project with longevity and a much larger impact since each teacher has dozens of students.
Huge thanks to David O’Connell, who we partnered with to provide a new electrochemistry workshop at the recent ChemEd-Ireland conference at the Technological University of the Shannon in Limerick. David is a teacher at Christian Brothers College in Cork with a great passion for this area of chemistry. His workshop was a huge success with a full house on both occasions on the day.
Well done David and thank you!
