Integrating Green Chemistry throughout the Undergraduate Curriculum via Civic Engagement

Abstract

The quantity of information that a chemical educator feels obligated to convey to majors and non-majors alike has resulted in the overly formulaic delivery of content that is often devoid of contextual frameworks. Correspondingly, efforts to deliver Chemistry in Context have begun to gain widespread popularity. Empirical evidence over the past 7 years at Northwestern University and Simmons College has indicated that introducing green chemistry both in context and through civic engagement is particularly effective. When introduced to Green Chemistry in context, students are driven to learn so that they are able to effectively educate and advocate for green chemistry in their community. Herein, three distinctly different green chemistry lecture-based courses are detailed and the design and outcome of the corresponding civic-engagement projects are described.