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Enhancing chemistry understanding and attitudes through an outreach education program on circular plastic economy: a case study with Thai twelfth-grade students
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Researchers examined the impact of an outreach education program integrating the circular plastic economy (OEC-Circle) on 32 Thai 12th-grade students, finding that inquiry-based learning modules covering plastic chemistry, circular economy, and sustainable polymers improved both chemistry understanding and positive learning attitudes.
Abstract This study examines the impact of an outreach education in chemistry for circular plastic solutions (OEC-Circle) program on enhancing Thai 12th-grade students’ understanding of plastic-related chemistry and fostering positive learning attitudes. The program integrates the circular plastic economy through inquiry-based learning, including citizen inquiry and guided inquiry activities. The curriculum consists of three modules: Plastic Smart City, circular plastic economy, and sustainable polymer, blending lecture, demonstration, laboratory, and field experiences. A total of 32 students participated, and their learning outcomes were assessed using a pre- and post-test, along with a learning attitude about chemistry survey (CLASS-Chem). Results indicated a significant improvement in students’ understanding of topics like sustainable polymers and waste management, with a large effect size in the post-test. The CLASS-Chem survey also showed a positive shift in students’ attitudes, including increased interest, confidence, and an understanding of the real-world relevance of chemistry. These findings suggest that the program was effective in both improving students’ chemistry knowledge and fostering a deeper engagement with sustainability issues. The study highlights the potential of combining inquiry-driven learning with sustainability themes to enhance students’ attitudes toward chemistry and prepare them to address real-world challenges, particularly those related to plastic waste and sustainability.
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