6.2. La ciencia en el siglo XIX. Las aulas de ciencias

Founding Fathers of Chemistry

In this section, the speaker discusses the two founding fathers of chemistry: Lavoisier and Liebig. Liebig is credited with creating a new system of chemistry teaching that transformed the laboratory into a teaching space.

Chemistry Teaching in the 19th Century

• The teaching of science played an important role in professionalizing and institutionalizing chemistry and science in the 19th century.

• Experimental sciences were introduced into universities and secondary education institutions, becoming a fundamental part of training individuals.

• The challenge for professors was to combine theoretical teaching with practical methods developed in pharmacy offices and craft workshops.

Experimental Demonstration as a Solution

• One solution was experimental demonstration, which involved giving lessons together with experiments that made it possible to visualize phenomena described.

• Experimental demonstrations did not place spectators in a passive position but allowed them to repeat and practice experiments seen in courses.

• Preparation of these lessons resulted in the creation of small laboratories where teachers and assistants prepared educational experiments.

Liebig's Revolutionary Teaching Method

• Liebig introduced his revolutionary teaching method by formalizing a practice that already existed.

• He created a new teaching laboratory located between the teaching amphitheater and research laboratory, formalizing the preparation of lessons through experimentation.