This study integrates project-based learning to promote STEAM education in upper secondary school. This STEAM-based teaching practice focuses on the theme of real life scenarios regarding “making nail polish” by exploring the esterification reaction between acetic acid and ethanol. Environmentally friendly materials are provided to help students understand the potential environmental and health impacts of chemical products. Throughout the process, students learn the preparation of ethyl acetate, the extraction of natural dye, and the preparation of nail polish, as well as the creative packaging of nail polish. The activity was conducted in an upper secondary school in Southwest China. Sixty 10th grade students (16–17 years old) participated in this activity. Results showed that students’ motivation, composite competency (practical activity and team collaboration), knowledge understanding and application, and scientific reasoning skills were developed during this project.
Wan et al. (Mon,) studied this question.