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Novel Interdisciplinary Systems-Based Approach to Teaching Sustainability in Plastics

Novel Interdisciplinary Systems-Based Approach to Teaching Sustainability in Plastics
Contributors
Marta Guron
University of Pennsylvania
Learning Objets
Summary
This is an article published in J Chem Ed about a novel way to teach systems thinking in a non-majors chemistry course called "Perspectives on Plastic".

Authors: Marta Guron and Alexis Slentz
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.1c00192
Keywords
Curriculum
Plastic pollution
Non-Major Courses
Plastics

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Moderation state
Published
Object Type
Journal articles
Audience
Introductory Undergraduate
Published on
Green Chemistry Principles
Waste Prevention
Less Hazardous Chemical Syntheses
Catalysis
Design for Degradation
Real-Time Pollution Prevention
Safer Chemistry for Accident Prevention
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Good Health and Well-Being
Reduced Inequalities
Responsible Consumption and Production
Climate Action
Life Below Water
Life on Land
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Learning Goals/Student Objectives
From the syllabus discussed in this document:
To competently engage with current events to actively remove bias in lieu of scientific fact

· To explore a life cycle analysis of polymers from their chemical synthesis to disposal options and challenges

· To analyze microstructures and predict bulk physical properties of polymers based on these structures

· To develop a plan for managing the use of polymers responsibly within everyday life to ensure their benefits outweigh their drawbacks

· To obtain a basic understanding of polymer synthesis and ways in which molecules can come to together to form macromolecules

· To engage in fundamental laboratory practices as a means to obtaining experience in problem-solving, critical thinking and analysis of lab-obtained data

· To foster an attitude of independent thinking and critical reading of science-related articles
Common pedagogies covered
Context-based learning
Hands-on learning
Student-centered learning

Submitted by

Marta Guron
Safety Precautions, Hazards, and Risk Assessment
The laboratories did involve some more hazardous solvents such as acetone or acids such as hydrochloric acid. The manuscript does not focus on the lab experiments; instead, it focuses on the curricular structure and how all the pieces fit together.
Teacher Recommendations or Piloting Data (if available)
The course ran for three semesters and improved with each iteration. Students freely shared how their involvement in the course changed their daily behaviors and how being in the community working to make change was a valuable experience for them.
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Novel Interdisciplinary Systems-Based Approach to Teaching Sustainability in Pl…