Development of teaching material for green and sustainable chemistry in Japan

Abstract

Abstract This study first developed content for a series of textbooks on green and sustainable chemistry (hereinafter referred to as GSC) targeted for university use. The textbooks focus on technology and products that have been awarded prizes in recognition of their contribution and performance toward GSC promotion. We also supplemented the textbooks with a video teaching material on dyeing systems that do not use water. We then surveyed aspiring secondary school teachers about the developed teaching materials using the questionnaire method. The results from university students’ questionnaires showed that 82% understood the importance of GSC and were interested in the subject. Second, we developed a series of leaflets on GSC targeted for use in upper secondary schools. Specifically, the content emphasizes the relationship between high school chemistry textbooks and daily life, other subjects, society, and the global environment. The results showed that approximately 60% of the senior high school students’ first impression of the leaflet was “interesting.” Twenty years after GSC has been defined, it has still not become completely pervasive in Japan. In the future, it will be necessary to foster instructors capable of teaching GSC in secondary education.