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Ateneo Science Educators and Researchers in Virtual
Engagement (SERVE) 2020 Ateneo de Manila University
School of Science and Engineering
MS Science Education Program of Biology Department

Using Green-Star Metrics for Assessment and Integration of Green Chemistry Principles in
General Chemistry Laboratory Activities

b
ac*
Maria Lourdes C. Atienza-Ona , Nestor S. Valera, Ph.D. , and Cornelia C. Soto, Ph.D. c

a b
Science Department, Balete Senior High School, Batangas Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Engineering,
c
Ateneo de Manila University Department of Education, School of Social Sciences, Ateneo de Manila University
* Corresponding Author: maria.atienza-ona@obf.ateneo.edu

ABSTRACT

Integrating green chemistry in education is a growing interest among chemists, chemical practitioners and
educators worldwide. The goal in developing activities should be towards increased greenness by designing
processes and using alternative reagents that are safe and less polluting to the environment. This paper aims
to assess the greenness of laboratory activities and integrate green chemistry in the Philippine K-12
curriculum. This study is a response to the constraints brought by insufficient laboratory rooms and
equipment, unavailable chemicals, and waste disposal issues. Furthermore, this addresses the challenges to
provide educational services during the transition to the new normal status quo in Philippine education.
Initial analysis shows that existing laboratory activities have appreciable level of greenness. However,
inclusion of sustainability and green chemistry principles in the government- provided textbooks is not
explicit and the unavailability of laboratory manual, some reagents and equipment remain a concern
especially if blended learning approach is to be considered. Analysis using Green Star Metrics adapted from
Ribeiro, Costa and Machado (2015) revealed that the activities involving Solubility Curves and Rates of
Reaction can still be modified. Hazardous chemicals are substituted with common household chemicals and
processes are redesigned to increase energy efficiency while objectives and competencies set by the K-12
curriculum are attained. The basic idea of the metrics is creating a star and determining the Green star area
index corresponding to the level of greenness. The modified activities in this study are observed to have
increased area index meaning an increased level of greenness. The use of Green Star metrics to assess other
laboratory experiments is recommended to help teachers modify or develop existing laboratory activities
and facilitate learning. Moreover, the modified laboratory activities may help students acquire knowledge
and skills through experiential learning at the comfort and safety of their home.

Keywords: General Chemistry , Green Chemistry, laboratory activities, Green Star metrics, Senior High
School

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