(208b) Active Learning Strategies for Teaching Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage

Electrochemistry is rapidly growing, yet its crucial role in emerging industries and research is not sufficiently mirrored in the curriculum of US and Mexican universities. While undergraduate students are briefly exposed to basic electrochemistry concepts within general and physical chemistry courses, dedicated electrochemistry education is often reserved for graduate programs. Furthermore, teaching electrochemistry is challenging as it is a multifaceted subject encompassing concepts from various disciplines. Despite this complexity, electrochemistry equips students with invaluable skills in physical and analytical chemistry, experimental design, instrumental analysis, and chemical reaction engineering. Recognizing the need for a skilled workforce to meet the demands of emerging industries, it is imperative to reinvigorate electrochemistry education and introduce it at the early undergraduate level to foster interest and deeper engagement.

To bridge this educational gap, we have developed a science workshop focusing on teaching electrochemical energy conversion and storage concepts to high school and early undergraduate students. As part of Clubes de Ciencia MX, a Mexican initiative promoting science and engineering Summer workshops, this unique experience has utilized active learning strategies to teach and encourage electrochemistry for two consecutive years. The workshop covers five fundamental areas (Figure 1): electrochemistry basics, water electrolysis, electrocatalysis, fuel cells, and battery technology. By integrating short lectures, group discussions, and interactive learning through experiments, games, and project-based activities, we strive to ignite students' passion for electrochemistry. We have also conducted assessments to examine the workshop's effectiveness and influence on students' understanding of the role of electrochemistry in climate empowerment and sustainability. This unique experience aims to captivate and inspire early-career students, nurturing the next generation of scientists and engineers who will revolutionize our world.