Can the chemistry of rare earth elements enhance student's system thinking? A qualitative content analysis

The Chemistry of Rare Earth Elements (REE) is a teaching-learning topic that can integrate the principles of the molecular basis of sustainability from economic, society, and environmental aspects. The use of molecular basis of sustainability in the teaching and learning can lead the student toward system thinking. System thinking defines as the ability to interpret a complex systems. This research was conducted to obtain a scientist's conception of REE in a form of concept map and teaching-learning sequences (TLS). The method used is qualitative content analysis (QCA) with a type of literature analysis. The initial phase is carried out by collecting material (literature) from books, monographs, review articles, and research articles. The instruments used are content analysis formats. The analysis was descriptively and structured in a didactic and pedagogical manner to strengthen student's system thinking skills. The concepts obtained are compiled in the form of a concept map and TLS. The results showed that the content of REE could be analyzed through an inductive approach. The scientist's conception is obtained include definition, electronic configuration, properties, abundance, processing, and the applications. The Concept map and TLS illustrate potential intended and unintended consequences of REE. Through QCA, there is evident that system thinking can be strengthened through teaching and learning on the REE topic. Further development of this research hoped that could be used to make teaching material and didactical design.