Title: Transforming Matter and Thinking for Responsible Chemistry
Abstract: School science laboratories are key sites where students learn not only science, but also how science can contribute to a more sustainable future. As teachers are increasingly expected to help students respond to global environmental challenges, hands-on experiences with the intentional transformation of matter can support students to recognise the material basis of sustainability. Systems thinking approaches also offer a powerful way to help students understand the ethical and responsible use and practice of science and chemistry, while preparing them to contribute to meaningful change in society. This keynote lecture will highlight findings from recent systems thinking initiatives and international studies involving teachers, to consider implications for teaching practice, professional learning, and curriculum innovation
Short Biography
Dr Seamus Delaney (PhD SFHEA) is a Senior Lecturer (Science Education) within the School of Education, Deakin University, Australia. He is currently the Secretary of the International Organisation for Chemical Sciences in Development (IOCD), Secretary of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) Chemistry Education National Division and an International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) Committee on Chemical Education member. Seamus has coordinated chemistry curriculum reviews and teacher education programs on behalf of state, national government agencies and non-governmental education bodies. His research interests include curriculum innovation, out-of-field teaching, industry engagement in sustainable futures, and developing systems thinking oriented teaching approaches for situating sustainable development challenges in the science and chemistry classroom. Seamus is an Editor of IUPAC’s flagship chemistry education journal, Chemistry Teacher International.