Education for sustainable development, nanoscience, and chemistry education: A small scale survey among a sample of Italian chemistry teachers

This survey explores the experience and perceptions of Italian chemistry teachers toward Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). In Italy, chemistry lessons could include learning about sustainable development issues, but it is unclear to which extent ESD in chemistry lessons is operated. Additionally, ESD became a central part of the Italian interdisciplinary teaching subject of Educazione Civica (EC) which might be translated as citizenship education. In EC, all science subjects are involved, including chemistry, where lessons are taught by chemistry teachers. This survey inquires about the potential incorporation of ESD and also nanoscience into chemistry lessons in general and in EC in particular from the viewpoint of Italian chemistry teachers. The focus is on teachers’ attitudes to including ESD and nanoscience in their lessons and potential difficulties in implementing them.