Artificial intelligence in science education for SDG 4: A systematic review of AI interventions for ESD and 21st-century competencies
Rizky Agassy Sihombing 1 , Shiang-Yao Liu 1 * , Noviansyah Kusmahardhika 1 2 , Chun-Yen Chang 1 2 3
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1 Graduate Institute of Science Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, TAIWAN2 Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang, INDONESIA3 Graduate Institute of Science Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan* Corresponding Author

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming science education and creating new opportunities to advance education for sustainable development. This systematic literature review followed the preferred reporting items for systematic review 2020 guidelines to examine 43 empirical studies published in prominent journals between January 2020 and July 2026. Studies were synthesized using descriptive and thematic analyses. Publications increased markedly, with 76.7% appearing during 2024-2025. Quantitative approaches predominated (51.2%), followed by mixed methods (23.3%), qualitative (18.6%), and research and development (7.0%). AI interventions included generative AI, AI-augmented instructional design, AI-supported assessment, immersive environments, adaptive learning systems, and AIoT, supporting critical thinking, scientific reasoning, systems thinking, collaboration, AI literacy, and sustainability awareness. Despite challenges related to equitable access, teacher readiness, and ethical implementation, AI demonstrates strong potential to enhance sustainability-oriented science education. These findings highlight current research trends, methodological gaps, and future directions for AI-enabled science education aligned with sustainable development goal 4.

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This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Article Type: Literature Review

EURASIA J Math Sci Tech Ed, Volume 22, Issue 9, September 2026, Article No: em2914

https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/19279

Publication date: 18 Sep 2026

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