Advancing sustainable chemistry education: Insights from real-world case studies

This study aims at analysing the integration of innovative teaching methodologies through the implementation of two case studies, “Plasticized Childhood” and “Unpacking Burgers,” in the context of Green Chemistry (GC) and Sustainable Chemistry (SC) education. The case studies were devised with the o...

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Main Authors: Evelyn Araripe, Vânia G. Zuin Zeidler
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2024-01-01
Series:Current Research in Green and Sustainable Chemistry
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666086524000419
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author Evelyn Araripe
Vânia G. Zuin Zeidler
author_facet Evelyn Araripe
Vânia G. Zuin Zeidler
author_sort Evelyn Araripe
collection DOAJ
description This study aims at analysing the integration of innovative teaching methodologies through the implementation of two case studies, “Plasticized Childhood” and “Unpacking Burgers,” in the context of Green Chemistry (GC) and Sustainable Chemistry (SC) education. The case studies were devised with the objective of engaging students in real-world scenarios, thereby fostering critical thinking and practical problem-solving skills. “Plasticized Childhood” examines the environmental and health impacts of plastic toys, while “Unpacking Burgers” delves into the complexities of plant-based meat alternatives. The Classroom Observation method was employed to systematically observe and analyse student interactions and learning outcomes. Our findings illustrate the transition from GC to SC, emphasising considerations beyond material substitution, such as marketing strategies and health implications. The case studies highlighted the pivotal role of the chemical industry in propelling sustainable innovation and the value of interdisciplinary approaches. One challenge was addressing student sensitivities around controversial topics, as well as the need for more specialised content in graduate programmes. The study illustrates the value of integrating real-world scenarios into chemistry education, equipping students with the skills and conditions to address sustainability challenges through innovative, ethical and responsible solutions. It would be beneficial for future research to concentrate on the improvement of case study methodologies and the strengthening of interdisciplinary collaborations, with the aim of further advancing sustainable chemistry education.
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spelling doaj-art-d78d2e62523a44c4897f1e190adf7e292024-12-14T06:33:04ZengElsevierCurrent Research in Green and Sustainable Chemistry2666-08652024-01-019100436Advancing sustainable chemistry education: Insights from real-world case studiesEvelyn Araripe0Vânia G. Zuin Zeidler1Postgraduate Program in Education, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, 13565-905, Brazil; Institute of Sustainable Chemistry, Leuphana University Lüneburg, 21335, Lüneburg, GermanyPostgraduate Program in Education, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, 13565-905, Brazil; Institute of Sustainable Chemistry, Leuphana University Lüneburg, 21335, Lüneburg, Germany; Corresponding author. Institute of Sustainable Chemistry, Leuphana University Lüneburg, 21335, Lüneburg, Germany.This study aims at analysing the integration of innovative teaching methodologies through the implementation of two case studies, “Plasticized Childhood” and “Unpacking Burgers,” in the context of Green Chemistry (GC) and Sustainable Chemistry (SC) education. The case studies were devised with the objective of engaging students in real-world scenarios, thereby fostering critical thinking and practical problem-solving skills. “Plasticized Childhood” examines the environmental and health impacts of plastic toys, while “Unpacking Burgers” delves into the complexities of plant-based meat alternatives. The Classroom Observation method was employed to systematically observe and analyse student interactions and learning outcomes. Our findings illustrate the transition from GC to SC, emphasising considerations beyond material substitution, such as marketing strategies and health implications. The case studies highlighted the pivotal role of the chemical industry in propelling sustainable innovation and the value of interdisciplinary approaches. One challenge was addressing student sensitivities around controversial topics, as well as the need for more specialised content in graduate programmes. The study illustrates the value of integrating real-world scenarios into chemistry education, equipping students with the skills and conditions to address sustainability challenges through innovative, ethical and responsible solutions. It would be beneficial for future research to concentrate on the improvement of case study methodologies and the strengthening of interdisciplinary collaborations, with the aim of further advancing sustainable chemistry education.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666086524000419Green chemistrySustainable chemistrySystems thinkingSustainable chemistry educationCase studiesCase studies in chemistry education
spellingShingle Evelyn Araripe
Vânia G. Zuin Zeidler
Advancing sustainable chemistry education: Insights from real-world case studies
Current Research in Green and Sustainable Chemistry
Green chemistry
Sustainable chemistry
Systems thinking
Sustainable chemistry education
Case studies
Case studies in chemistry education
title Advancing sustainable chemistry education: Insights from real-world case studies
title_full Advancing sustainable chemistry education: Insights from real-world case studies
title_fullStr Advancing sustainable chemistry education: Insights from real-world case studies
title_full_unstemmed Advancing sustainable chemistry education: Insights from real-world case studies
title_short Advancing sustainable chemistry education: Insights from real-world case studies
title_sort advancing sustainable chemistry education insights from real world case studies
topic Green chemistry
Sustainable chemistry
Systems thinking
Sustainable chemistry education
Case studies
Case studies in chemistry education
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666086524000419
work_keys_str_mv AT evelynararipe advancingsustainablechemistryeducationinsightsfromrealworldcasestudies
AT vaniagzuinzeidler advancingsustainablechemistryeducationinsightsfromrealworldcasestudies