Steven Wood’s chemistry class is filled with the sights and sounds of excitement as he conducts various experiments for his students.
This enthusiasm has caught the attention of the university. Wood, associate chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, was awarded a General Education Professorship at the Annual University Conference. This award honors faculty members who have given outstanding contributions to undergraduate general education and honors courses.
“At first I was surprised, and then I was excited,” Wood said. “You think of . . . the people who have gotten the award in the past, [and] those are some pretty impressive people. I’m humbled to be in that group.”
Wood has contributed countless hours and insights to general education and honors courses at BYU. He has taken part in providing tools for general education classes, including online videos that explain difficult theories in simple ways.
During his 21 years at BYU, Wood has taught a wide variety of chemistry classes. He finds great importance in “trying to design materials that force [students] to look at things in a different way.”
Introducing theories in a different light is only one of Wood’s goals. He also works to more effectively teach his students by personally connecting with them.
“I think what makes the biggest difference is if the students can connect with the instructor,” Wood said.
Demonstrations have proved to be an effective way to engage his students and help them remember important concepts.
“We’re fortunate. We have a very good demo lab,” he said. “When you blow something up, that’s always a big hit. [It makes] a big fireball that reaches to the ceiling. Anything with fire is great.”
By doing this, Wood applies what is taught in the classroom to real life. Students are able to wrap their heads around the subject and see how it is applicable
“When we talk about something, if you can bring in an application, especially something that’s tied into their lives . . . they can connect with the material,” Wood said. “There’s no way to make somebody learn, but [we] want to have an environment that makes the material accessible to students in a way that they can connect with it.”
Wood has treated his class to countless activities. He has blown up balloons, brewed solutions to change colors, and even throws a chemistry magic show once per semester.
“There’s more to just doing demonstrations than the entertainment value,” Wood said. “You want to peak their interest so they’ll think about what’s gone on in a way that you framed in the classroom.”
Bringing creativity into his teaching allows Wood to open up the minds of his students and introduce new ways of learning and thinking.
“When students realize that there is a better way to learn than just memorizing, they’re able to internalize that and be empowered,” Wood said. “That makes a difference forever.”