Integration of Green Chemistry Principles in the Grade 8 Science Laboratory: Analysis of Students' Academic Performance and Attitudes

• Main Author: Balbedina, Lovelyn
• Format: text
• Published: Archīum Ateneo 2019
• Subjects: n/a
• Online Access: https://archium.ateneo.edu/theses-dissertations/482
• Institution: Ateneo De Manila University

Chemical laboratories are related to chemical hazards, such as solvents that may harm humans and the environment. To address this issue, Paul Anastas and John Warner formulated the “Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry”. These principles can be summarized as a design for safer laboratory processes and prevention of waste and pollution. The purpose of the study is to integrate five of the twelve Green Chemistry principles applicable to a grade 8 science laboratory. The laboratory manual prepared by the researcher integrated the five principles that follow: the prevention of waste, design for safer chemical use, design for degradation, design for energy efficiency, and design for inherently safer chemicals for accident prevention. This study introduced eight students’ experiments that integrated the five Green Chemistry principles mentioned. To analyze academic performance and attitude, the study used a quasi-experimental approach involving two non-randomized groups. The experimental group integrated these five principles in the experiments and activities of the chemistry laboratory. The control group experienced typical instruction and flipped classroom intervention. The effect of the integrated principles analyzed the students’ academic performance and attitudes. Cost-analysis and manual evaluation were done to demonstrate that integration has been achieved. Results showed no significant difference between the experimental and control groups’ academic achievement. Both have attained the same level of proficiency, so the range of conceptual learning is also the same. Nonetheless, the experimental group has an advantage to a more sustainable method in its laboratory. In the Green Chemistry laboratory, materials are found at home, reagents are non-hazardous, and the heat v source is more energy efficient. The experimental group, attitudinal survey results acquired Positive to Very Positive attitude towards the integration of Green Chemistry principles. Students recognized the principles’ importance in the science laboratory and real-life applications. Students became aware of their environment. The accompanying laboratory manual emphasizing the principles of Green Chemistry has been well received by teachers and students. Cost analysis shows that the costs of materials in the experimental group is cheaper than those used in conventional laboratories. Other schools that lack the ability to implement standard laboratories can use a Green Chemistry laboratory, which provides more sustainable methods and resources to conduct experiments and activities.