8 tips from ‘Dow Chemistry Classroom’ that will change your view of science study
Pathum Thani, Thailand - December 16, 2016 - “When we were young, we may wonder how rainbows appear in the sky or why trees are green. These queries are all related to science. Though we may lose interest in questioning things when we grow up, but it is believed that deep down, the interest is still within us.” is a stimulating saying from Mr. Ardwarong Jantamas, the Super Fan of Scientists 2012, one of the guest speakers at “Planting the Seeds of Innovation: Empowering Thai Students through Fun and Accessible Science Lessons” sharing session. This is one of “Dow Chemistry Classroom 2016” activities aiming to inspire students who participate in Small-Scale Chemistry Laboratory Contest (DOW-CST Award 2016) held on December 1-2, 2016 at National Science Museum.
Two more guest speakers are Mr. Sutham Thamrongwit, Editor-in-Chief of Science Illustrated Magazine, and Mr. Nawin Pitipornwiwat, Young Thai Science Ambassador of the Year 2009, who joined the session in order to broaden the students’ perspectives and share experiences on fruitful science learning. Here are 8 tips that will change your view of science study.
- Science is interwoven with our lives because science is the study of nature, both living and non-living things. The subject can be linked to various knowledge fields and is also related to everything around us. If we have an opportunity to study what we are truly interested in, we will be able to see through things with a deeper understanding.
- Nowadays, education no longer relies on textbooks but it is about creating stimulating learning atmosphere that allows students to analyze, think critically and practice in order to bolster an efficient learning process. Eagerness to learn will follow habitually. For instance, the use of small-scale chemistry laboratory kit from Dow Chemistry Classroom instead of the full-scale chemistry laboratory equipment will allow the students to have a better access to science experiments.
- English language is crucial even in the science world. If we continue to improve our English skill, we will be able to access larger number of thought-provoking resources, books and information which in turn broaden our perspective and increase our educational opportunity.
- “Keenness” drives learning process. If we love what we do, we will have the motivation to expand our knowledge and improve ourselves. Whatever comes from our passion, we will be able to do it well.
- “The world is our classroom.” We can learn anything through experiences and what we have seen in our daily lives. Learning is not limited only in the classroom.
- We should carry a pocket notebook with us at all times. Thoughts or ideas often slip through our minds. Notes can help retain knowledge taught in the classroom or acquired on our own in our daily lives.
- Sometimes, the knowledge and skills that we learn cannot be used instantly. We need to integrate the knowledge with our experiences before putting it to use. Science study trains students to think analytically and thoroughly which can benefit the learning of other subjects.
- “Conflict” can be a good thing because the progress in science has also sprung from conflicts of ideas which lead to the exploration of truth, facts and problem solving. All of these are the main factors that contribute to important findings.
Apart from the inspiring experience sharing session, students and teachers who participated in the program are given the chance to showcase their capabilities and creativities through Small-Scale Chemistry Laboratory Contest (DOW-CST Award). This year, 24 science projects from 21 schools nationwide were presented and the winning project is The ‘Effects of Pressure and Temperature on the Chemical Equilibrium’, under the supervision of Ms. Saranrom Yingsuk, a science teacher of Prachinratsadornamroong School from Prachin Buri Province. Ms. Saranrom Yingsuk will receive the royal trophy from Prof. Dr. H.R.H. Princess Chulabhorn Walailak at Pure and Applied Chemistry Conference 2017 (PACCON 2017).
For 50 years, Dow has supported Thailand especially in improving the economy and society. “Dow Chemistry Classroom” project was initiated to enhance science education in Thailand through a strong collaboration between Dow and its partner including Chemical Society of Thailand and National Science Museum. In 2016, the project has expanded nationwide with the knowledge of small-scale chemistry laboratory techniques for teachers and students to conduct science experiments across Thailand. This year is the first time that Dow Thailand Group held the small-scale chemistry laboratory contest or DOW-CST Award in a national level. The objective of the project is aligned with the policy of the Ministry of Science and Technology to enhance knowledge and increase awareness of science among Thai youth. All of these will lead to a positive attitude towards science which inspires Thai students, who become the ‘Workforce of Tomorrow’ considered as a valuable asset of the nation in the future, to pursue their further study in science fields.
Follow fun and inspiring science tips from “Dow Chemistry Classroom” at Facebook Chemical Society of Thailand.
About Dow Chemistry Class Project
Dow Thailand Group is determined to bolster science knowledge among the youth by collaborating with Chemical Society of Thailand under the Royal Patronage of Prof. Dr. H.R.H. Princess Chulabhorn Walailak. “Dow Chemistry Class” project was initiated with the intention to support chemistry class at schools through the use of a small-scale chemistry laboratory technique which is an effective and safe experiment method that simplifies chemical experiment while reducing chemical wastes. Students can obtain a hands-on experience from conducting the experiments themselves not just listening from the lectures. “Dow Chemistry Class” project aims to enhance teachers and students’ capability through science study, particularly chemistry, with a small-scale chemistry laboratory technique. The method is recognized by UNESCO and practiced internationally in chemistry classes around the world including the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Mexico, the Philippines, Japan, China, and Cambodia. This is considered to be the first time that the private sector has concretely adopted a small-scale chemistry laboratory method for Thai educational system.
About Dow Thailand Group
Consisting of Companies of Dow Chemical Thailand and the SCG-Dow Group, Dow Thailand Group, the leading science group of companies in Thailand, is the largest manufacturing base of Dow Chemical in the Asia-Pacific region and a leading importer of chemical products for diverse industries in Thailand, including those for agriculture and household pesticides. The group is committed to developing science-driven innovations and strives to form effective collaboration and networks to bring about sustainability for its business as well as society.
Dow (NYSE: DOW) combines the power of science and technology to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company is driving innovations that extract value from material, polymer, chemical and biological science to help address many of the world's most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, clean energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dow's integrated, market-driven, industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 180 countries and in high-growth sectors such as packaging, electronics, water, coatings and agriculture. In 2015, Dow had annual sales of nearly $49 billion and employed approximately 49,000 people worldwide. The Company's more than 6,000 product families are manufactured at 179 sites in 35 countries across the globe. On June 1, 2016, Dow became the 100 percent owner of Dow Corning Corporation’s silicones business, a global company with sales of greater than $4.5 billion in 2015, 25 manufacturing sites in 9 countries and approximately 10,000 employees worldwide. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.