Promoting political and civic engagement in a nonmajor sustainable chemistry course

A non-majors chemistry course with a sustainability focus was developed as part of an effort to embed sustainability throughout the curriculum at Widener University. Using the ACS textbook Chemistry in Context, we sought to reinforce the concept of chemistry as the “central science” in solving big issues relating to energy and the environment. What distinguishes this course from traditional general education chemistry classes is the inclusion of a substantial civic engagement component. Students were introduced to sustainability issues at the local, state, and national levels through field trips and advocacy activities. In preparation for a lobby day at the state capitol, students researched pending legislation, identified bills to support or refute, and, with the help of faculty and students in the Political Science and Communication Studies Departments, prepared talking points or position papers to share with legislators. At the local level, students learned about environmental injustice in Chester from the perspective of a grass-roots environmental advocacy group. A trip to Washington, DC, allowed students to consider how sustainability relates to national politics and to commerce, with a trip to government buildings and the ACS Green Chemistry Institute. Student reflections indicated a positive experience with chemistry, a greater understanding of environmental issues that affect them, and a better awareness of how they can effect change.