Promoting Green Concepts and Environmental Awareness by a Recycling Expanded Polystyrene with Acetone Experiment and...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Educational Technology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Plastic waste, particularly expanded polystyrene (EPS), poses a significant environmental challenge.
• Effective educational initiatives are crucial for promoting sustainable practices and environmental awareness.
• Existing knowledge gaps exist regarding specific plastic types and recycling processes, especially among pre-university students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the educational effectiveness of a hands-on EPS recycling experiment.
• To assess the impact of the interactive digital tool Wooclap on learning outcomes.
• To promote environmental awareness and introduce green concepts to diverse age groups.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a hands-on experiment involving EPS recycling with acetone.
• Utilized the Wooclap platform for pre- and post-workshop knowledge assessments.
• Administered satisfaction surveys to gauge participant experience and perceived learning.

Main Results:

• All participant groups demonstrated improved understanding of EPS recycling concepts post-workshop.
• Pre-university students showed significant knowledge gaps in basic green concepts and plastic recycling prior to the intervention.
• Participants reported high satisfaction with the workshop, noting its enjoyable nature and positive impact on learning.

Conclusions:

• Hands-on recycling experiments, augmented by digital tools like Wooclap, are effective educational strategies.
• Targeted educational interventions are necessary to address knowledge deficits in environmental science and sustainable practices.
• Engaging learning experiences enhance knowledge acquisition and promote environmental stewardship.