Chemistry education and environmental problems: ecological significance of amino acids and their pedagogical aspects

Abstract

Modern chemistry education increasingly integrates environmental issues to foster sustainable thinking and scientific literacy. Amino acids, as fundamental biomolecules, play a crucial ecological role in biogeochemical cycles, soil fertility, water systems, and environmental remediation processes. This paper examines the ecological significance of amino acids within natural ecosystems and explores methodological approaches for integrating this topic into secondary and higher chemistry education. The study emphasizes interdisciplinary connections between chemistry, biology, and environmental science, promoting systems thinking and sustainability-oriented learning. Pedagogical strategies such as problem-based learning, project-based activities, digital modeling, and eco-contextual laboratory tasks are proposed to enhance conceptual understanding and environmental awareness. Integrating the ecological functions of amino acids into chemistry curricula strengthens students’ analytical skills, ecological responsibility, and competence in addressing real-world environmental challenges.