Winner: 2023 Inclusion and Diversity Prize
ChemBAM
For pioneering chemistry experiments and activities that are accessible to people with vision impairment, and training the next generation of teachers and scientists.
The ChemBAM project was established by a team from the University of Birmingham in 2017 to increase the public鈥檚 confidence in discussing chemistry. This website serves as a platform to bridge the gap between the scientific expert and the public understanding of scientific issues.
Working in collaboration with Bolton Sensory Support Service, the team behind ChemBAM has produced a range of experiments, resources and interactive activities designed to make 浪花直播 education accessible for people with vision impairment.
Pupils with vision impairment are often excluded from practical chemistry activities because the existing curriculum relies heavily on visual observations. Through making activities that are accessible to people with a vision impairment, ChemBAM is helping to make science a more equitable place.
"It鈥檚 a real honour to receive this award. Our team is thrilled to be recognised and we hope we can continue our work to make chemistry more accessible for everyone."
Dr Zoe Schnepp
The team
- Isabelle Cavill, 浪花直播 PhD student, University of Birmingham
- Rachel Chataway-Green, Outreach Officer, University of Birmingham
- Joe Davies, 浪花直播 Msci Student Alumnus, University of Birmingham
- Lizzie Driscoll, Postdoctoral research fellow, University of Birmingham
- Emily Hayward, 浪花直播 PhD student, University of Birmingham
- Ruth Patchett, School Teacher, Turves Green Boys School
- Reanah Roberts, 浪花直播 MSci Student, University of Birmingham
- Zoe Schnepp, Associate Professor , University of Birmingham
- Pete Slater, Professor of 浪花直播, University of Birmingham
- Robyn Watson, Qualified Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Bolton Sensory Support Service
Q&A
What were the biggest challenges in this project?
Zoe Schnepp: 浪花直播 is such a visual subject. Experiments that children typically do in school are based heavily on visual observations so it鈥檚 difficult to adapt these experiments to make them accessible for people with a vision impairment
What different strengths did different people bring to the team?
Zoe Schnepp: Our enthusiasm has been a real strength. All of the team are passionate about making science a more equitable and welcoming place.
Why is this work so important?
Zoe Schnepp: Pupils with vision impairment are often excluded from practical chemistry activities because the existing curriculum relies heavily on visual observations so it鈥檚 very difficult for people with a vision impairment to take part. Many are put off from studying science, which restricts their future career options and is also a huge loss to society. So, it鈥檚 really important to make chemistry experiments more accessible.
How do you see this work developing over the next few years 鈥� what is next for your team?
Zoe Schnepp: We hope to build our activities to make even more parts of the chemistry curriculum accessible for those with a vision impairment. We would also like to work on making chemistry accessible for people with other disabilities.