Chemistry Education and Research

Chemistry has been experiencing dramatic changes since the beginning of the twentieth century. The enterprise is diverse and complex, and it involves international collaboration. However, the trends in modern chemistry do not seem to be reflected in education, although many children show a strong interest in natural phenomena from an early age and demonstrate an outstanding ability to think creatively and in abstract terms. Th is presentation summarizes the global trends in Nobel Laureates in Chemistry from 1901 to 2012 in order to illustrate how gift edness in chemistry is a requirement for the new century. Th is presentation proposes diff erent chemistry education modes for gift ed students in formal and informal settings.

Some of Ehime University’s special gift ed education programs, which deal with identifi cation, curriculum development, practice, and assessment, are introduced as case examples of chemistry education for the gift ed. Th is presentation also analyses the effects of special education programs and discusses the similarities and differences between their effects on gifted students and regular students. Th e development of chemistry curricula and teaching materials that accommodate the special needs of gifted students and the implementation of related teaching methods and assessments are relevant to all teaching subjects, school types, and education in general. Moreover, they can be used in the educational activities of communities and societies around the world.