CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE CHEMISTRY CURRICULUM FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS: MALAYSIAN CONTEXT

Abstract

Chemistry is a study about particles and is believed as an appropriate subject to develop awareness among students to love and to care the environment.  Among the aims of the Malaysian Secondary School Chemistry Curriculum is to develop a concerned, dynamic and progressive society with science and technology culture that values nature and works towards the preservation and conservation of the environment (Ministry of Education, 2005).  In order to accomplish this aim, one of the issues that become very critical is environmental issues such as climate change, is suitable to be incorporated in Malaysian Chemistry Curriculum since it’s related to human activities.  By integrating this issue, it will help teachers to develop students’ awareness on the importance of protecting our environment and assume responsibility for sustainable future.  The purpose of this article is to analyse the existing Malaysian Secondary School Chemistry Curriculum and to propose new topics and activities based on the climate change which is seemed to be neglected from the curriculum by curriculum developers.  The analysis is conducted by using document analysis approach.  Suggestions of activities related to climate change are proposed which is interrelated with the current chemistry concept in existing curriculum. 

Keywords: chemistry curriculum, climate change, environment education

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