Children in the United States have been moving away from the fields
of science, mathematics and technology for over two decades. Although this is a complex problem, an interesting approach to
solving it is to put a better public face on science in our popular culture, namely, in movies, television, the internet,
and so on. We need many more positive, diverse, and youthful role models for science along with active and attractive ways
to excite and educate.
MOLECULES is a snappy and upbeat show that also provides some clever science lessons that anyone in the
audience can take home with them. The idea that music, dance, and multimedia can be used as a way to introduce kids to science
is new and different. As a chemist and a chemistry professor, nothing would thrill me more than to have new students entering
my class with a handful of some key ideas that were featured on the stage.
Dr. Brian P. Coppola is an Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Chemistry and Associate Chair for Curriculum and Faculty Affairs at the University
of Michigan Department of Chemistry. He received his B.S. degree
from the University of New Hampshire and his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Coppola
is the co-Director of the IDEA Institute (Instructional Development and Educational Assessment), whose mission is to improve
teaching and learning in science through better faculty and K-12 teacher preparation.
