The Impact of an Intervention on Plastics and Bioplastics on Pre-Service Science Teachers’ Green Chemistry and Sustainability Awareness and Their Attitudes Toward Environmental Education
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: This research aimed to evaluate the awareness of pre-service science teachers regarding green chemistry, sustainability, and their perspectives on environmental education. A total of 198 pre-service science teachers from primary and secondary school programs at a teacher education college in Israel participated by completing a 34-item questionnaire. Among these, 29 prospective chemistry and biology teachers engaged in an intervention that explored the chemistry and applications of plastics and bioplastics. Following the intervention, participants completed a post-intervention survey to assess the program’s impact. The pre- and post-survey comparison showed a significant increase in sustainability awareness (1.92 to 4.36) and green chemistry awareness (2.17 to 4.20) among pre-service teachers. Paired-sample t-tests confirmed significant improvements in green chemistry awareness, sustainability awareness, and attitudes toward environmental education. While attitude toward environmental education had the highest pre-survey score, it showed the least variation in post-intervention. All questionnaire subcategories reflected positive increases, demonstrating enhanced awareness and attitudes after the intervention. This innovative approach to integrating sustainability into science education underscores the importance of preparing future educators to address environmental challenges in their teaching.
Source: Education Sciences
Language: English
Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,172
OpenAlex ID: W4408150225