The University of Southern Mississippi, in collaboration with the Chemical Heritage Foundation and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, develops multimedia for polymer science education. The project includes four components: extension of multimedia material for basic and advanced courses in polymer science (Macrogalleria and Polymer Expeditions), development of new multimedia material for polymer laboratory (Macrolab), integration of the multimedia materials into a two-semester undergraduate course, and workshops for material dissemination and to acquaint college instructors with its use. The material includes real-world references and examples of the principles introduced.
The multimedia material developed in this project can be readily incorporated into existing science courses by instructors with little or no experience in polymers, and as such has potentially widespread applications. Introduction of scientific information by relating it to objects that directly impact our lives helps the student learn and understand better, plus gives them insight into why basic science is vital to our world.
