How do we, as chemists, make safer materials? That is the essential question that high school chemistry students try to answer as they consider principles of green chemistry, systems thinking, the Sustainable Development Goals and social justice. At the introductory level of chemistry, there are many ideas to present with much information building upon previously learned concepts. Introductory chemistry concepts presented through project based learning is uncommon at the high school level, and can face several challenges when delivered through a distance learning model. However, this different approach allows students to explore chemistry content and revisit ideas multiple times throughout the curriculum to gain multiple perspectives and generate new connections during their learning journey. At the beginning of the year, students explore and highlight underrepresented scientists and then are challenged to see and celebrate themselves as emerging chemists. Early assignments include creating simplified green chemistry principles posters and reflecting on the progress of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students then complete hands-on inquiry-based lab work in the synthesis of glue, and strive to perform their lab work effectively and efficiently, by leveraging green chemistry principles and through multiple iterations of their experiments. Postlab analysis invites students to reflect on how they supported and/or violated green chemistry principles. Later, a case study focusing on the chemical reactions and social justice issues connected to the Flint water crisis engages students to not only explore chemical reaction types, but also to consider how green chemistry, the SDGs and systems thinking tools can be used to better understand how we can prevent problems and/or solve problems effectively and compassionately. This talk presents the scope and sequence of the curriculum and shares the glows and grows of this new way of training our next generation of scientists.

Repetitive and reflective: How green chemistry, systems thinking, the sustainable development goals and social justice are interwoven in an online high school chemistry class

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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