CHAPTER 4: Learning about Sustainable Development in Socio-Scientific Issues-Based Chemistry Lessons on Fuels and Bioplastics

This chapter discusses the application of socio-scientific issues (SSI)-based science education in the secondary chemistry classroom. Issues of sustainable development are suggested to contextualize chemistry learning. If this is operated in an SSI-based approach controversial issues from the sustainability debate are used to motivate chemistry learning under thorough inclusion of a societal perspective. Apart from chemistry content learning the lessons focus on an understanding of how society is dealing with developments in chemistry and technology. Examples will be presented from secondary chemistry teaching in Israel and Germany. Alternative fuels and bioplastics will serve as examples. The discussion will show that a combination of SSI-based science teaching with issues of sustainable development offers a fruitful approach to motivate chemistry learning and contribute to the development of general educational skills.