Accessible chemistry: the success of small-scale laboratory kits in South Africa

Abstract

Chemical innovations enhance our quality of life by responding to challenges in e.g., energy production, medical care, and material development. Studying and understanding chemistry is essential for future solutions. However, chemistry is not accessible to all learners. In South Africa, the challenge is to make chemistry accessible to all participants, especially in the North West province, in poor schools without easy access to resources and with inadequately trained teachers. One way to make chemistry more accessible is through micro-scale chemistry. With this goal in mind, the MYLAB small-scale chemistry kit was designed. The kit was developed around the 5 ml test tube (our size determinant). We wanted all learners and teachers to have hands-on, minds-on chemistry practical experience. Thus, workshops were organised to (i) train the teachers in the use of the kits and (ii) to allow learners to experience practicals hands-on. This article gives an overview of how the use of the MYLAB small-scale chemistry kit was successful in making chemistry accessible to all.