New Perspectives in Science Education

In the 21^st century mankind will be facing new challenges, including demographic change and the resulting risk of widespread diseases such as Alzheimer’s and their socio-economic costs. The German Alzheimer’s Association e.V. states that currently 1.7 million people are affected by dementia in Germany, most of them with Alzheimer’s disease, with rising tendencies [1]. Correspondingly, fundamental chemical research focuses its research questions on the elucidation of such diseases, so that therapeutic options can be used to accelerate the sustainable relief of society.
To inspire and prepare future generations for such current research topics, these topics should be integrated into chemistry education for a contemporary and future-oriented teaching [2]. As recent studies showed, such lessons should include topics such as “chemistry & medicine” as well as “current topics in chemistry” in order to effectively arouse students interest [3].
Based on Alzheimer’s disease, the presented teaching unit examines, how remembering works from a chemical point of view. In a video using an inquiry-based method, processes at biomembranes on a molecular level as well as the regulation of ion channels are explained (e.g. diffusion, chemical gradients, etc.). Since acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter is relevant both for the process of remembering as well as for research on Alzheimer’s disease, its synthesis and degradation is shown. As a result, the substance group of esters is emphasized and serious effects of the misregulation of the synthesis and degradation is explained. Finally, the research focus on Alzheimer’s disease is highlighted, which enables students to transfer their newly acquired knowledge to an application-oriented context. Additionally, supporting worksheets cover the substance group of esters in more depth.

Keywords: Chemistry & Medicine, Alzheimer´s Disease, Teaching Unit, Ester;