There has recently been a surge in interest in the incorporation of systems thinking into chemistry education, to promote teaching and awareness of sustainability through holistic teaching approaches. Through the Elements of Sustainable Chemistry project, an interdisciplinary team of researchers have collaborated to implement and evaluate approaches that incorporate systems thinking and situate sustainable development within chemistry education at secondary and tertiary levels.<br/> <br/>A set of teaching and learning resources was designed, with direct links to state and national curricula, which focus on ‘endangered elements’. These are elements that are over-utilised in industry and are in danger of disappearing within the 21<sup>st</sup> century. Thus, the project directly relates to critical challenges, such as those highlighted by the United Nations Global Goals for sustainable development (SDGs). The resources were piloted during a series of outreach activities at disadvantaged high schools in regional and remote areas and also involved mentoring of upper secondary chemistry students by university student volunteers. Evaluation of these resources in seven schools with over 1000 students so far, includes the collection of student pre- and post-views of perspectives on sustainability, circular economy and ‘endangered elements’, as well as teacher perceptions of these resources and the applicability of the systems thinking approach to chemistry education. Findings show increased student motivation and engagement with chemistry, and evidence that through this outreach, learners are repositioned to realise the relevance of sustainable development to chemistry teaching and learning.

Curriculum-relevant systems thinking chemistry outreach activities to situate sustainable development within chemistry education

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.