Green shoots - Part 1: a sustainable chemistry curriculum for a sustainable planet
Priorities for chemistry education on sustainability and climate change identified by young people and educators.
Summary of contents
We conducted a survey of 11 to 18 year olds and a survey of educators working with children aged 5 to 19 years old across the UK and Ireland to find out what they think of the way climate change and sustainability are currently taught in science and chemistry lessons.
Whatever choices a young person makes about their career, they will live and work in a world affected by climate change. They need a scientific foundation so they can engage fully with the issues that shape society and make informed choices about their lives. We are committed to collaborating with policymakers and educators to revitalise the chemistry curriculum, and ensure that our community continues to be a catalyst for positive change.
Our aim is for every learner to receive an inspiring and relevant chemistry education in the areas of climate change and sustainability, whether they go on to pursue further study in this area, or play their role as a scientifically literate citizen.
That is why we are calling for policymakers in the UK and Ireland to ensure that climate change and sustainability are embedded throughout chemistry curricula from the ages of 5 to 19 years.
We hope this report and our curriculum action plan will aid them in this endeavour.