DOI
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.9b00278

Summary
In this paper a competitive strategy card game, named Green Machine, which facilitates a systems thinking approach to learning recycling processes and green chemistry in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, is presented.
The players represent recycling companies contracted by the government to recycle household waste.
Associated learning objectives include the following:
1. Apply a systems thinking approach to waste valorization, considering the recycling processes of key household waste items.
2. Recognize that recycling facilitates global sustainable development (as defined by the UN Sustainable Development Goals) and is an integral part of the life cycle of many products.
3. Describe the scientific principles, in a green chemistry context, that underpin recycling processes.
4. Evaluate relevant information from the system in order to independently formulate a robust strategy that uses the system advantageously.
5. Analyze system changes and modify a chosen strategic approach accordingly.
Two separate sessions were run where Green Machine was implemented, one in the U.K. and the other in the U.S.Α. The session in the U.K. lasted 90 minutes and involved 19 graduate-level students enrolled in the MSc in Green Chemistry and Sustainable Industrial Technology course at the University of York. The session in the U.S. also lasted 90 minutes and involved 29 second-year undergraduate students enrolled in an Organic Chemistry 2 Laboratory course with varying declared majors in science (predominantly biology and chemistry) at Augsburg University.
A set of pretest questions was used to obtain a baseline of the students’ knowledge of recycling principles and using systems thinking skills. After each group finished, that group was given a feedback survey to complete. Once all groups had completed the feedback survey, a set of post-test questions were completed by each student. The material of the post-test was identical to that of the pretest.
The authors discuss in detail differences that were found between the U.K. and U.S. students’ performances.
The results indicate that this resource is likely to be better suited as an introduction to green chemistry and associated systems thinking for students at the undergraduate level as opposed to more highly trained postgraduate students.

Relevance for Complex Systems Knowledge
The paper deals with “system thinking” and “sustainability”.
Green Machine is an enjoyable game designed to foster the adoption of a systems thinking approach to green chemistry and sustainability issues aligned with the UN SDGs.
Players must use interpersonal skills to consider the interconnected systems while showing an appreciation for commercial awareness and versatility, as dynamic problem solving (reflecting real-world scenarios) is required to play the game successfully. The mainstay of the game is the repeated and frequent use of systems thinking skills to continually reanalyze the system at large to adapt the employed strategy.

Point of Strength
The point of strength of this article is the presentation of an enjoyable way that can be used to improve systems thinking skills and introduce green chemistry for students at the undergraduate level.