Chemistry in the Environment

Project Summary

Chemistry students integrated environmental science with classroom learning through field trips, labs, and water quality monitoring in their local ecosystem.

Detailed Story

Abi Kambanis, a chemistry teacher from Connecticut, initially had concerns about incorporating environmental issues and climate change into her curriculum. After working with TCI at the 2022 National Climate Educators Retreat, she developed a successful integration plan that connected chemistry concepts to local environmental challenges. Her approach emphasized three key elements: consistency, collaboration, and action. Consistent concepts gave students the confidence to analyze new information across different environmental contexts; collaboration between classes and community organizations created a team approach to problem-solving; and the action projects gave students agency and hope in addressing climate challenges. Students participated in field trips to local waterways where they applied classroom chemistry concepts to monitor water quality and ecosystem health.

Impact Statement

The program showed remarkable results: 14% improvement in chemistry quiz scores compared to the previous year without an environmental focus; 76% of students said the learning labs challenged them to think in new ways; 85% of students listed a learning lab-related activity as their highlight for the year; and most significantly, 98% of students said they feel they can take meaningful action on climate change (compared to only 6% previously). 100% of students passed the class and gained their physical sciences credits. When asked about the most valuable part of the chemistry curriculum, students highlighted “the labs or field trips where we were able to apply what we learned to our local environment.”