Amparo Luna Costales promotes engaging chemistry education

Researcher Amparo Luna Costales from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid delivered a virtual conference titled “Chemistry for the Present and the Future: Knowledge for Innovation, Sustainability, and Education” to high school teachers at the Universidad de Colima.

Luna Costales emphasized the need to make chemistry more engaging for students by using contemporary examples, such as the presence of microplastics in human samples and the composition of everyday items like chewing gum. She discussed the essential role of polymers in modern life, noting that while they are indispensable for products ranging from medicines to mobile phone components, it is crucial to teach responsible use, recycling, and proper disposal.

The presentation aimed to shift the perception of chemistry from a potentially boring or harmful subject to one that is fundamental to understanding the world, including water treatment, food analysis, and the development of sustainable materials.