How can we design chemistry courses to facilitate student learning about current environmental issues? This workshop explores ways to incorporate learning about chemistry concepts through the investigation of environmental challenges. For instance, how can dynamic equilibrium be taught so that students learn about ozone depletion? What opportunities are there to relate organic chemistry concepts to the degradation of plastics?
This workshop invites science teachers (and chemistry teachers in particular) to consider how to frame a unit by starting with a real-world problem. This promotes student engagement, motivation, and deeper learning as they learn for a purpose.
Participants will gain the following from attending the session: 1- Ideas to start a unit with discussions and research about current environmental issues 2- Shared resources on environmental chemistry 3- How to correct misconceptions in teaching chemistry ? 4- Strategies to use in unit planning so that the students are more engaged.
