Connecting school students´ and scientists´ perspectives on microplastics in the human blood

Project Investigators:

Prof. Dr. Sarah Dannemann
MLU, Didactics of Biology

Prof. Dr. Sina Leipold
UFZ, Environmental Politics

Prof. Dr. Ralf wehrspohn
MLU, Microstructure-based Material Design

Project summary:
Microplastics in water has been studied extensively, and testing methods to characterize these micrometer-sized particles are developed as international standard under ISO 147. The next step in microplastic research is the development of sensors for microplastics in human blood. In parallel, microplastics in human blood is part of the public discourse, often labelled as a health risk.
Our research seeks to illuminate the contrast between scientific and everyday perspectives and narratives about microplastics in human blood. Our final goal is to improve public health discourse and develop future communication and policy strategies. To meet this aim, the educational potential of the topic “Microplastics in the human blood” is analyzed according to the model of educational reconstruction by comparing the perspectives of scientists and school students. These analyses allow to identify basic scientific and everyday ideas and justifications as well as terms and representations for science communication processes. Additionally, aspects of science understanding could be addressed as the topic is part of current research.