DEVELOPMENT OF STUDENTS’ ENVIRONMENTAL COMPETENCE THROUGH THE INTEGRATION OF ZERO WASTE PRINCIPLES INTO CHEMISTRY TEACHING

Abstract

The article describes and analyzes a study aimed at the theoretical justification and experimental validation of the effectiveness of integrating Zero Waste principles into chemistry education in general secondary schools to develop students’ environmental competence. The study’s purpose is to design methodological approaches that foster the development of students’ environmental knowledge, practical skills, and value orientations necessary for environmentally responsible behavior in the context of contemporary sustainable development challenges. Methods. The research employs a comprehensive methodological approach grounded in competencybased, activity-based, and systemic principles of organizing the educational process. The applied methods include theoretical ones, such as the analysis of psychological-pedagogical literature, educational programs, and methodological materials; empirical methods, such as pedagogical experiments, surveys, and observations; and methods of mathematical data analysis to assess the dynamics of students’ environmental competence development. Results. The pedagogical experiment confirmed the effectiveness of integrating Zero Waste principles into chemistry teaching. Students participating in the experiment demonstrated significant improvements in their environmental competence across all components: cognitive, activity-based, value-motivational, and reflexive. The most notable progress was observed in the activity-based (21.8% growth) and reflexive (17.6% growth) components. Students acquired skills in waste sorting, conscious consumption, and critically analyzing their actions regarding their environmental impact. Conclusions. The study confirmed that integrating Zero Waste principles into chemistry teaching is an effective tool for developing students’ environmental competence. The practical focus of this approach promotes the development of both theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for environmentally responsible behavior. The research findings can be utilized to improve teaching methodologies in other natural science disciplines.