(2025) Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of Authentic Learning Activities to Introduce Chemistry Students to Systems Thinking through Green Chemistry

Alan Z. Chen, Martin D Peeks, and Sara H. Kyne,

J. Chem. Educ. 2025, 102, 6, 2283-2293,

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.4c01326,

In this study, the authors designed, implemented, and evaluated the use of green chemistry and sustainability related learning activities on their ability to introduce first year undergraduate chemistry students to systems thinking. The intervention was assessed using a mixed methods approach and the participants’ motivations and attitudes towards chemistry were measured. When the learning activity was evaluated using thematic analysis it was revealed that students were able to effectively demonstrate systems thinking skills. The results of this study were seen as important for future design and delivery of chemistry curricula.