Class Calendar Length
Year Long
Grade Levels
11, 12
Seats Available
4-6
Course Summary
Explore the critical intersection of science and social justice in this course focused on sustainable chemistry and environmental health. Students will utilize a systems-thinking approach to analyze how toxic chemical exposure, particularly in personal care products, disproportionately affects communities of color. Through project-based laboratory simulations and safety screenings, participants will evaluate chemical formulations and propose safer alternatives. This course empowers students to become scientific advocates, bridging the gap between molecular chemistry and the policy changes needed for a more equitable and sustainable future.
Key Outcomes
- Apply systems-thinking to evaluate chemical exposure and health outcomes.
- Conduct safety screenings of consumer products using scientific data.
- Propose alternative green chemistry formulations and policy solutions.
Mass. State Standards
- HS-ETS1-1–3: Engineering Design (Analyzing challenges and evaluating solutions)
- HS-ETS1-6(MA): Solution Documentation (Specifications and performance results)
- HS-PS1-1, 3: Matter & Interactions (Periodic table and physical properties)
- HS-PS2-6: Molecular Structure (Polymers and chemical compounds)
About the Instructor
Ms. Derival (she/they) is a Cambodian-American woman, daughter of refugee immigrants, and mother of two Cambodian-Haitian sons. She graduated from Suffolk University with a degree in Biochemistry and Forensic Science and worked in forensic toxicology and green chemistry labs before joining Innovation Academy Charter School. Ms. Derival teaches chemistry, green chemistry, forensic science, and science and social justice classes through anti-racist and culturally relevant lenses. She is also passionate about healing the world through kindness and science, creating positive energy in social justice movements, and empowering others to remember that they are always, and in all ways, greater than they think they are.