Teaching the Nature of Science Through Biodiesel Synthesis from Waste Cooking Oil: A Literature Review with Experimental Insights
This work reviews the use of biodiesel synthesis experiments in science education, emphasising their potential for explicit nature of science (NOS) teaching. Through a literature review and experimental insights, it highlights how transesterification of waste cooking oil (WCO) with a basic catalyst...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Sustainable Chemistry |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4079/6/2/15 |
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| author | Juan Peña-Martínez Jessica Beltrán-Martínez Ana Cano-Ortiz Noelia Rosales-Conrado |
| author_facet | Juan Peña-Martínez Jessica Beltrán-Martínez Ana Cano-Ortiz Noelia Rosales-Conrado |
| author_sort | Juan Peña-Martínez |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This work reviews the use of biodiesel synthesis experiments in science education, emphasising their potential for explicit nature of science (NOS) teaching. Through a literature review and experimental insights, it highlights how transesterification of waste cooking oil (WCO) with a basic catalyst can serve as an educational tool. While biodiesel reaction conditions are well-documented, this study presents them in a pedagogical context. Simple viscosity and density measurements illustrate empirical analysis, while a design of experiments (DoE) approach using a Hadamard matrix introduces systematic optimisation and scientific reasoning. By integrating biodiesel synthesis with explicit NOS instruction, this work provides educators with a framework to foster critical thinking and a deeper understanding of scientific inquiry. Additionally, this approach aligns with green chemistry principles and resource efficiency, reinforcing the broader relevance of sustainable chemistry. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-9c241a02c7d54eae95b6b22f7801b8c4 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2673-4079 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Sustainable Chemistry |
| spelling | doaj-art-9c241a02c7d54eae95b6b22f7801b8c42025-08-20T03:29:38ZengMDPI AGSustainable Chemistry2673-40792025-05-01621510.3390/suschem6020015Teaching the Nature of Science Through Biodiesel Synthesis from Waste Cooking Oil: A Literature Review with Experimental InsightsJuan Peña-Martínez0Jessica Beltrán-Martínez1Ana Cano-Ortiz2Noelia Rosales-Conrado3Department of Science, Social Science and Mathematics Education, Complutense University of Madrid, C/Rector Royo Villanova, 1, 28040 Madrid, SpainDepartment of Science, Social Science and Mathematics Education, Complutense University of Madrid, C/Rector Royo Villanova, 1, 28040 Madrid, SpainDepartment of Science, Social Science and Mathematics Education, Complutense University of Madrid, C/Rector Royo Villanova, 1, 28040 Madrid, SpainDepartment of Analytical Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Complutense s/n, 28040 Madrid, SpainThis work reviews the use of biodiesel synthesis experiments in science education, emphasising their potential for explicit nature of science (NOS) teaching. Through a literature review and experimental insights, it highlights how transesterification of waste cooking oil (WCO) with a basic catalyst can serve as an educational tool. While biodiesel reaction conditions are well-documented, this study presents them in a pedagogical context. Simple viscosity and density measurements illustrate empirical analysis, while a design of experiments (DoE) approach using a Hadamard matrix introduces systematic optimisation and scientific reasoning. By integrating biodiesel synthesis with explicit NOS instruction, this work provides educators with a framework to foster critical thinking and a deeper understanding of scientific inquiry. Additionally, this approach aligns with green chemistry principles and resource efficiency, reinforcing the broader relevance of sustainable chemistry.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4079/6/2/15sustainable chemistry educationbiodieselwaste cooking oilsnature of science |
| spellingShingle | Juan Peña-Martínez Jessica Beltrán-Martínez Ana Cano-Ortiz Noelia Rosales-Conrado Teaching the Nature of Science Through Biodiesel Synthesis from Waste Cooking Oil: A Literature Review with Experimental Insights Sustainable Chemistry sustainable chemistry education biodiesel waste cooking oils nature of science |
| title | Teaching the Nature of Science Through Biodiesel Synthesis from Waste Cooking Oil: A Literature Review with Experimental Insights |
| title_full | Teaching the Nature of Science Through Biodiesel Synthesis from Waste Cooking Oil: A Literature Review with Experimental Insights |
| title_fullStr | Teaching the Nature of Science Through Biodiesel Synthesis from Waste Cooking Oil: A Literature Review with Experimental Insights |
| title_full_unstemmed | Teaching the Nature of Science Through Biodiesel Synthesis from Waste Cooking Oil: A Literature Review with Experimental Insights |
| title_short | Teaching the Nature of Science Through Biodiesel Synthesis from Waste Cooking Oil: A Literature Review with Experimental Insights |
| title_sort | teaching the nature of science through biodiesel synthesis from waste cooking oil a literature review with experimental insights |
| topic | sustainable chemistry education biodiesel waste cooking oils nature of science |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4079/6/2/15 |
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