Young Raw Matters Ambassadors: High School Students Act as Science Communicators

Mariaconcetta Canino,Alberto Zanelli,Mirko Seri,Armida Torreggiani,Alessandra Degli Esposti

doi:10.3389/feduc.2021.690294

Abstract

Nowadays communication skills are essential for the successful future career of undergraduate students, as well as to develop a mindset able to face new challenges linked to a sustainable development and to adopt sustainable strategies with respect to finite resources on Earth allowing the transition to the circular economy (CE) model. Here we present the experience of seven classes of teenagers involved in learning paths linked to researches in the field of material science aiming at developing more sustainable materials. The expected output was oriented toward the common goal of creating a communication tool targeting an external audience. The paths were proposed as a work-based experience in the framework of Raw Matters Ambassadors at Schools (RM@Schools), a European project which aims at raising awareness on the sustainable use of raw materials as well as increasing the interest in STEM disciplines, able to allow the future transition toward a low-carbon society. By using a combination of approaches such as open discussion, learning by doing, and peer-to-peer education, students are involved in an experiential learning process to develop communication competencies and increase their awareness about sustainability development.

Highlights

The importance of nontechnical skills can be sometimes underestimated in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
Videos Class 1 realized four short movies, each focusing on a different aspect concerning RMs in mobile phones: geopolitical and ethical aspects concerning the supply chain of certain materials which can be found in mobile phones; the consumer habits in purchase and disposal of mobile phones; the history of the miniaturization of electronic technologies; and the substitution of critical raw materials by other materials such as graphene
The research in the field of silicon carbide (SiC) material development was explained by using nice images and a witty use of the language, culminating in the pun in the movie title

Summary

Introduction

The importance of nontechnical skills can be sometimes underestimated in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). In order to fill the gap between the output of education and the expectations of employers, the Italian Ministry of Education established the School-Work Alternation (SWA) in 2015 (Italian Ministry of Education on SWA, 2015) and it was replaced by the Transversal Skills and Orientation Programs in 2018 (Italian Ministry of Education on PCTOs, 2018) for students from 16 to 19 years old It consists of an experience which requires students to apply both their technical and personal skills in real job situations proposed by one actor of the civil society (e.g., company, association, and research center) that can be adopted by a school as a part of its training offer. Student Individual research to retrieve more information from web Student Communication product Experimental kit EXPLAIN ELABORATE

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion