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Enhancing Student's Sustainability Awareness through PBL-ESD on Microplastic Pollution

Original title: Enhancing Student’s Sustainability Awareness through PBL-ESD on Microplastic Pollution

JCER (Journal of Chemistry Education Research) 2026
Syifa Ayugea

Summary

Researchers tested a hands-on teaching method that has high school students tackle real problems around microplastic pollution, rather than just memorizing facts about it. The approach helped students better understand the science behind microplastics and become more aware of how this pollution affects the environment and, ultimately, human health through the food and water we consume. While this study focused on education rather than health outcomes directly, raising awareness in young people matters because informed communities are more likely to push for changes that reduce microplastic exposure in daily life.

This research aims to develop and implement a didactic design based on Problem-Based Learning integrated with Education for Sustainable Development (PBL-ESD) to enhance sustainability awareness and science literacy of students on the topic of microplastic pollution. This research uses a Didactical Design Research (DDR) approach with high school students in Sukabumi Regency as subjects. Findings show that the didactic design of PBL-ESD, developed in accordance with the steps of PBL and focused on sustainability issues, can support active participation of learners in solving actual problems related to microplastic pollution. In addition, the learning design and the tested assessment tools demonstrate support for improving scientific literacy while also increasing students' sustainability awareness. This implementation proves that the integration of PBL and ESD provides a relevant learning experience and prepares students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills related to environmental issues.

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