This work focuses on a possible teaching approach to promote chemistry learning for students during the first two years of technical high school in Italy (age 14-15). Critical thinking skills can be developed by integrating two different curriculum designs, converging in a novel didactic approach, a modified version of the Systemic Approach to Teaching and Learning (SATL). Interdisciplinary topics help to promote students' interest and motivation because of their applications in real situations, concerning in particular ethics and environmental issues. This method gives the right importance to a stimulating educational context where critical thinking skills are highly encouraged.