Do You Want\nto Make a Battery? Insights\nfrom the Development and\nEvaluation of a Chemistry Public Engagement Activity

Chemistry is often associated with formal learning environments\nand has been described as overly serious by the general public, lacking\nsome of the fun and energy of other sciences. However, it is difficult\nto provide hands-on chemistry activities outside the lab and other\nformal learning environments. Here, a simple electrochemistry based\nactivity has been used for public engagement using household items\nand play dough to create a fun and playful experience for all ages.\nThe benefits afforded by outdoor learning for developing curiosity\nand interest in science has also been explored through different event\nformats. The use of a “Smiley Stand” with “emojis”\nfor gathering participant feedback was successfully deployed alongside\ninterviews with the “Ambassadors” who facilitated the\nactivity. Overall, it was found that the activity encouraged two-way\nconversations between the participants and the ambassadors, with few\nnegative responses and many positive ones received. The activity also\nimpacted the ambassadors’ own view of science.