The integration of sustainable development concept in Chemistry curriculum: a conceptual framework for the case of Pusat PERMAT Apintar™ Negara

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) has attracted the attention of numerous researchers in recent years. The focus ESD is to educate individuals to become responsible citizens in the future. Schools are the primary channels through which the students gain an understanding of sustainable development. Using an extensive literature review, a conceptual framework to integrate sustainable development (SD) concept in Chemistry curriculum of Pusat PERMATApintar™ Negara (PPpN) was proposed to investigate stakeholders' knowledge, behaviour and attitude of SD concept as well as the factors that intervene the integration of SD concept in Chemistry curriculum of PPpN. PPpN was selected as a case study because there has been little research conducted to seek gifted children views on ESD. Besides that, it is the first gifted education centre in Malaysia, which offers Chemistry curriculum for students from age range 13 to 17. Gifted students are individuals with natural, intellectual, creative and socio- affective ability to handle complex problem in an easier way. Learning chemical theories and facts alone not able to raise students' capability with sustainable development issues. Addition of more society-oriented approach by concerning environment, social and economy aspects in conjunction with traditional content across Chemistry curriculum may aid in understanding of SD concepts.