Research Focus: Nurturing socio-economically challenged learners' curiosity in chemistry

It is understood that ‘active learning’, in which students participate in their own learning, is effective in developing understanding (Michael & Modell, 2003). Students are likely to engage well in lessons that require participation and that challenge them to develop their understanding through hands-on experience (Koballa & Glynn, 2007). Learning outcomes are enhanced when enjoyment is high. This has been a cornerstone of Liverpool John Moores University’s programme of interventions delivered for the Royal Society of Chemistry project, Chemistry for All (CfA)

Teachers’ perception of chemistry outreach work, especially in the context of children’s social demography

The aim of this current research is to investigate teachers’ perceptions of the purpose and impact of chemistry/science outreach work. Considering views of educators, both in training and practice, is an important area to explore as teachers are the gatekeepers to these experiences and consciously or subconsciously have their own views about the value of these programmes. In addition, the teacher can influence a child’s view of their scientific ability which can potentially inform an individual’s decisions and perceptions regarding science as a career. It is necessary for a teacher to be aware of their pivotal role within the classroom and how their own ‘habitus’ may have an impact on those whom they teach. This pilot study was an illustrative exercise to analyse a small sample of data and provide a focus for a subsequent main data collection where the level of response will be much higher. The study sought to answer the following question; what do teachers in the North-West of England think about chemistry based outreach programmes, especially in the context of children’s social demography? However, no ‘conclusions’ or generalisations are derived from this small sample itself, only emerging themes are discussed. These themes highlight how teachers may perceive chemistry/science outreach to be of greater importance the higher the educational level and how these programmes may provide experiences and opportunities for students from a lower socio-economic background

Chemistry: The essential spark for engagement

Living in a socially deprived area can be tough. At least, that’s what several recent reports looking at the secondary school experience of teenagers in this demographic have indicated. it is recognised that the UK economy needs a highly skilled workforce and, in the North West, we have a large employer base of biochemical and chemical companies (see www. chemicalsnorthwest. org.uk), so we need school pupils from all backgrounds to be scientifically literate. Those who grow up in a socially deprived group are less likely to pursue careers involving science than the general population

Performance analysis of a Cold Asphalt Concrete Binder Course Containing High Calcium Fly Ash Utilizing Waste Material

It has been established that cold bituminous emulsion mixtures (CBEMs) have a comparatively low initial strength in comparison to hot mix asphalt (HMA), however its superior performance with regard to carbon emissions, is a significant driver regarding its manufacture. In this research, high calcium fly ash (HCFA) together with a fluid catalytic cracking catalyst (FCC) - a rich silica-alumina waste material - have been incorporated to develop a new cold asphalt concrete binder course (CACB) bituminous emulsion mixture. HCFA was used as a substitute for traditional limestone filler while FCC was the additive used to activate the HCFA. The mixtures’ performance was assessed using the indirect tensile stiffness modulus test (ITSM), assessment of resistance against permanent deformation, temperature and water sensitivity tests. Surface morphology was tested using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A considerable improvement was identified by the ITSM test in addition to a substantial enhancement in rutting resistance, temperature susceptibility and water sensitivity. It was also established that the addition of FCC to CACB mixtures was found to improve early strength as well as long-term strength, rutting resistance, temperature sensitivity and durability

The reluctant polymorph: investigation into the effect of self-association on the solvent mediated phase transformation and nucleation of theophylline

Little is known concerning the pathway of the crystallization of the thermodynamically stable polymorph of theophylline, form IV. Here we study the reasons why the thermodynamically stable theophylline form IV can be obtained only by slow, solvent mediated phase transformation (SMPT) in specific solvents, and whether the presence of prenucleation aggregates affect the polymorphic outcome. Solution concentration, polymorphic composition and morphology were monitored over time during the transformation from form II to form IV in several solvents. NMR and FTIR spectroscopy were used to detect prenucleation molecular aggregates present in the solutions. It was determined that theophylline self-associates in solvents which are good H-bond donors and the presence of these aggregates hinder the nucleation and phase transformation. SMPT from form II to form IV is a nucleation-growth controlled polymorphic transformation, nucleation is most likely homogenous, and form IV crystals grow along the (001) plane, forming plate-like crystals

Growing Environmental Activists: Developing Environmental Agency and Engagement Through Children’s Fiction.

We explore how story has the potential to encourage environmental engagement and a sense of agency provided that critical discussion takes place. We illuminate this with reference to the philosophies of John Macmurray on personal agency and social relations; of John Dewey on the primacy of experience for philosophy; and of Paul Ricoeur on hermeneutics, dialogue, dialectics and narrative. We view the use of fiction for environmental understanding as hermeneutic, a form of conceptualising place which interprets experience and perception. The four writers for young people discussed are Ernest Thompson Seton, Kenneth Grahame, Michelle Paver and Philip Pullman. We develop the concept of critical dialogue, and link this to Crick's demand for active democratic citizenship. We illustrate the educational potential for environmental discussions based on literature leading to deeper understanding of place and environment, encouraging the belief in young people that they can be and become agents for change. We develop from Zimbardo the key concept of heroic resister to encourage young people to overcome peer pressure. We conclude with a call to develop a greater awareness of the potential of fiction for learning, and for writers to produce more focused stories engaging with environmental responsibility and activism

Laboratory Studies to Examine the Properties of a Novel Cold-Asphalt Concrete Binder Course Mixture Containing Binary Blended Cementitious Filler (BBCF)

Conventional hot asphalt mixtures have an impact on global warming and CO2 emissions contributing to debates on environmental issues which have been raised in recent years. As an alternative, cold emulsion asphalt mixtures (CBEMs) provide considerable benefits such as eco-friendliness, energy efficiency and cost effectiveness connected with safety. However, their weak early strength along with the need for longer curing times (usually 2-24 months) and higher moisture susceptibility compared to hot asphalt mixtures, have been cited as obstacles to their wider application. That said, the incorporation of waste materials in CBEM mixtures enhances sustainability by decreasing the amount of industrial waste materials needed and conserving natural resources. A new binary blended cement filler (BBCF) material generated from high calcium fly ash (HCFA) and fluid catalytic cracking catalyst (FC3R) was found to be very effective in providing microstructural integrity with a novel fast-curing cold asphalt concrete for the binder course (CACB) mixture. Laboratory performance tests included the stiffness modulus test by indirect tension to cylindrical samples, wheel-tracking tests and water sensitivity. Regarding environmental issues, a toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) test was performed to analyse the leachate from various specimens comprising concentrations of heavy metal. The findings of these tests have demonstrated that CACB performs extremely well compared to traditional hot mixtures. The stiffness modulus of the BBCF treated mixture – 3730 MPa after 3 days – is higher than the traditional hot mixture (100/150 pen). In addition, the BBCF treated mixture offered a superior performance regarding rutting resistance, fatigue resistance and water susceptibility as well as revealing a considerably lower thermal sensitivity. More significantly, the BBCF treated mixture was found comparable to the traditional asphalt concrete binder course after a very short curing time (1 day). Finally, the concentration of heavy metals in the specimens incorporating the BBCF was observed to be less than the regulatory levels determined for hazardous materials and so requirements were satisfied. Consequently, this BBCF treated mixture has significant potential with reference to its application as a binder course in asphalt pavement

High-sensitivity diamond magnetometer with nanoscale resolution

We present a novel approach to the detection of weak magnetic fields that takes advantage of recently developed techniques for the coherent control of solid-state electron spin quantum bits. Specifically, we investigate a magnetic sensor based on Nitrogen-Vacancy centers in room-temperature diamond. We discuss two important applications of this technique: a nanoscale magnetometer that could potentially detect precession of single nuclear spins and an optical magnetic field imager combining spatial resolution ranging from micrometers to millimeters with a sensitivity approaching few femtotesla/Hz$^{1/2}$.Comment: 29 pages, 4 figure

Subduction controls the distribution and fragmentation of Earth’s tectonic plates

International audienceThe theory of plate tectonics describes how the surface of the Earth is split into an organized jigsaw of seven large plates 1 of similar sizes and a population of smaller plates, whose areas follow a fractal distribution 2,3. The reconstruction of global tectonics during the past 200 My 4 suggests that this layout is probably a long-term feature of our planet, but the forces governing it are unknown. Previous studies 3,5,6 , primarily based on statistical properties of plate distributions, were unable to resolve how the size of plates is determined by lithosphere properties and/or underlying mantle convection. Here, we demonstrate that the plate layout of the Earth is produced by a dynamic feedback between mantle convection and the strength of the lithosphere. Using 3D spherical models of mantle convection with plate-like behaviour that match the plate size-frequency distribution observed for Earth, we show that subduction geometry drives the tectonic fragmentation that generates plates. The spacing between slabs controls the layout of large plates, and the stresses caused by the bending of trenches, break plates into smaller fragments. Our results explain why the fast evolution in small back-arc plates 7,8 reflects the dramatic changes in plate motions during times of major reorganizations. Our study opens the way to use convection simulations with plate-like behaviour to unravel how global tectonics and mantle convection are dynamically connected