New Perspectives in Science Education

Introducing undergraduate science students to quantum physics without using too many mathematical formalisms they are not prepared for, is a necessity [1]. Even more challenging is dealing with the fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics in the classical and scientific Liceo, an Italian upper secondary school where historical-philosophical subjects are studied in depth: chemistry syllabus of Liceo requires teaching these concepts in the third year, while they are treated in physics only in the fifth year. However, a first approach to quantum mechanics for chemistry teaching can be an advantage with the appropriate strategies [2]; for example, using a historical and experimental approach, in particular through spectroscopy [3]. This contribution aims to illustrate the usefulness of an approach centered on spectroscopic experiments starting from the laboratory "Light and molecules", initially implemented within PLS (“Piano Lauree Scientifiche”, Scientific Degrees Project) and training for career guidance actions called PCTO (Percorsi per le Competenze Trasversali e l'Orientamento) [4], then suitably improved during its subsequent applications.