Incorporating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and green chemistry principles into high school curricula

Abstract

A perspective on incorporating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) and Green Chemistry Principles (GCP) into high school chemistry curricula is presented. The framework is based upon the Johnstone-Mahaffy model for chemistry understanding which specifically links student learning to the affective or human-centred domain. Reference is made to the origins of high school chemistry curricula, recommendations from the recent Royal Society of Chemistry survey Green Shoots: A Sustainable Chemistry Curriculum for a Sustainable Planet, student engagement practices, and studies in adolescent mental health. The origins and organization of the UNSDG and GCP are outlined, with the similarities to high school chemistry curricula illustrated. Justification for the implementation of the UNSDG and GCP is given, with a specific example presented in the context of the International Baccalaureate chemistry curriculum, and the GCP are rendered in educator- and student-appropriate language.