The green chemistry and Filipino approach to high school experiments in Saint Paul College

This paper is a call for teachers to initiate measures in improving the quality of high school chemistry education in the Philippines and that is by going back to practical laboratory work. The experiment presented in this paper is a proof to the possibility of tailor-made experiments that integrate principles of green chemistry. Integrating green chemistry concepts in the design of high school chemistry experiments makes students aware of the responsibility that goes with the use and production of chemicals. Moreover, the experiment was designed to consciously integrate aspects of Filipino culture, values, and traditions. Such enculturation of chemistry by giving it a Filipino flavor aims to make the students own the science and not view it as something that is highly foreign. When students can relate to the chemical concepts illuminated in their culture they become more appreciative and receptive of the science giving them meaningful and lasting learning.