For young chemists to imagine a more sustainable world, we need to get students interested and involved early in their academic journeys. Raising students’ awareness about environmental issues and sustainability is one of our primary goals for our first year chemistry, biochemistry and environmental chemistry majors. We have an activity in Principles of Chemistry Laboratory (first year chemistry for majors only) in which students, working in groups, do research in an area related to sustainability and then present their findings in an oral presentation to the class at the end of the semester. In the past, students have reported on coral reef degradation, water issues and microplastics in the environment, to name a few. A survey at the beginning of the current fall semester indicated that the first year majors understand the concepts of sustainability and green chemistry but many were unsure about carbon footprint and environmental justice. The majority of the students also expressed concerns about climate change, food security, plastics in the environment and carbon dioxide emissions. Most also wanted to do more to protect the environment and believe that scientists have a social responsibility for environmental stewardship. The survey will also be administered at the end of the semester to track any changes in responses after working on the project. We will report the outcomes of this year’s project

The Sustainability Project: A first year chemistry majors' laboratory activity

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

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