Study Reporting an Elective Chemistry Course Titled "The Mysteries of Chemistry in Intangible Cultural Heritage" to Fulfill the Vision of Science Literacy

Currentscience elective courses in Chinese high schools overemphasizesubject knowledge, lack course resources, and apply a single instructionmethodology. This study attempts to reform high school elective chemistrycourses and aims to promote chemical science literacy in students.It takes the example of the development and practice of elective coursestitled "The Mysteries of Chemistry in Intangible Cultural Heritage".This course encompasses seven chemical themes closely related to healthand safety, environmental protection, and social development: combustion,compounds, aqueous solutions, metallic materials, nonmetallic materials,biomacromolecules, and natural resins. The course contents are combinedwith the human intangible cultural heritage to stimulate student interestby incorporating a rich experience of the chemical sciences. The coursefocuses on experiential learning processes and employs student-centeredsituational teaching and project-based learning, combining experimentallearning, class discussions, and reflective essay writing. The studyresults reveal that the course improves academic performance and enhancesstudent interest and self-efficacy in chemistry learning; it alsoprovides students with continuous help in engaging in the safeguardingand inheritance of their intangible cultural heritage and substantiallydevelops scientific literacy.