Science Teachers’ Practice of Green Chemistry Principles and Its Relationship to Their Awareness of Safe Laboratory Activity Methods

Background/purpose. This study aimed to investigate the extent to which science teachers apply green chemistry principles and how this relates to their understanding of safe laboratory practices.

Materials/methods. Two instruments were developed and validated. The first, a 35-item scale covering ten green chemistry principles, measured teachers’ practice from the perspective of 400 of their students. The second, a 35-item test spanning six safety practices, assessed teachers’ awareness of safe laboratory methods and was administered to a random sample of 80 science teachers in Koura District schools during the second semester of the 2024/2025 academic year.

Results. The results showed that teachers were very effective at applying green chemistry principles, with all areas rated "high." These areas included using the least amount of material needed, starting safely, using catalysts, designing safe chemicals, using safe solvents, focusing on energy efficiency, preventing accidents, analyzing in real time to avoid pollution, reducing unnecessary byproducts, and making biodegradable materials. In comparison, teachers' awareness of safe laboratory practices was moderate. However, there was a strong positive link between how well teachers applied green chemistry principles and their awareness of safe lab practices. By contrast, teachers’ overall awareness of safe laboratory practices was moderate. A positive, statistically significant correlation (α=0.01) emerged between teachers’ practice of green chemistry principles and their awareness of safe laboratory practices.

Conclusion. It can be concluded that the importance of science teachers’ practice of green chemistry principles is highlighted through preparing future generations and making the environment safer, in addition to reducing waste that may result from laboratory activities.

Keywords: Green chemistry principles, science teachers, safe practices, laboratory activities

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