Enhancing Science Communication through Deliberative Discussions on Water Contamination in a General Chemistry Lab at...

In Spring 2023 (pilot study, n = 24) and Spring 2024 (main study, n = 48; survey respondents n = 36), second-semester General Chemistry II laboratory students at Xavier University of Louisiana, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), participated in a classroom activity designed to enhance science communication skills through deliberative discussions on water contamination issues. Following qualitative analysis experiments on heavy metal ions, students engaged in structured small-group deliberations evaluating real-world water contamination challenges and policy solutions. The activity was explicitly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #6: Clean Water and Sanitation, providing a global sustainability framework for student discussions. Survey results indicate increased student engagement, improved understanding of water contamination, and enhanced confidence in communicating scientific concepts to nonspecialist audiences. While most students reported increased interest in science communication and STEM careers, some indicated the need for additional support to build confidence. These findings demonstrate that integrating deliberative, sustainability-focused discussions into laboratory courses effectively connects experimental chemistry to societal challenges while fostering scientific literacy and communication skills.