Chemistry inquiry conducted by secondary school students into material degradation in the context of sustainability

Abstract

Understanding the relationship between chemistry and society is crucial for addressing material degradation and its environmental impact. This study highlights the importance of chemistry education in fostering sustainability awareness through inquiry-based learning. Ninth-grade students conducted an inquiry into material degradation, analyzing environmental factors such as photodegradation, biodegradation, and corrosion. Their findings show that materials such as plastic and metal degrade minimally over 100 days, reinforcing the need for sustainable solutions. This approach advances sustainability by integrating scientific inquiry into education, promoting responsible consumption and green chemistry. This study aligns with UN SDGs, particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and Goal 13 (Climate Action), by fostering scientific literacy and ecological responsibility in future generations.