Green chemistry infographics for research-led instruction

Abstract

A simple and creative communication assessment activity to share green chemistry research via a visually appealing infographic has been devised. This represents the continuous form of assessment for an optional module in green chemistry as part of the undergraduate degree programme at Chemistry at York. Through associated digital skills training to accompany lectures in green chemistry, students are allocated a research article that is linked to the taught content where they work in groups to interpret and summarise the manuscript. Students then create their own individual infographic and associated list of key points, making links to lecture course content and overarching sustainability frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry. Students also critically evaluate how green the research is that has been reported and what green improvements could be made. This assessment is relatively easy to integrate into curricula and has been completed by over 200 students since 2019 and has attracted positive feedback, relating to enjoyment, links to research, contextualisation of course content and developing scientific communication skills.