Europeans love chocolate – we eat over half the world’s supply! The bad news is that we are eating more cocoa than can be produced and soon chocolate may become a rare and precious commodity as farmers struggle to meet demand. In this activity students apply their knowledge of pollination to discuss why cocoa yields […]
The EU has recently imposed limits on the power ratings of vacuum cleaners, and further limits on other appliances could soon be in place. In this activity students consider a further (fictional) future restriction, on home electricity use. Students calculate the energy transferred daily by the appliances they use. They are then set the challenge […]
As human population increases, our appetite for meat grows but very soon demand will outstrip supply. Farming large animals puts a strain on our natural resources and creates polluting waste. Scientists are proposing eating insects to help solve this problem. In this activity students are asked to plan a menu for the school canteen which […]
Revolutionary roads which stay snow-free, claim developers. A click of a switch they can transform the road into a car park or even sports pitches. In this activity students consider whether solar roadways are worth funding. They critique claims using reasoning and evidence, and apply what they know about generating electricity in solar cells, to make […]
Carriers of a inherited condition have to make many difficult decisions including what to do if they want children. In this activity students are placed in the role of a couple who are carriers of beta thalassaemia major. They are guided through how to make a difficult ethical decision and are introduced to IVF and […]
The Pacific island nation of Kiribati recently announced its purchase of land in mountainous Fiji for its population to move to when sea level rises make life on its own low-lying islands impossible. In this activity students use data to predict sea level rises, including uncertainties, and decide whether humans are to blame for climate […]
In preparation for a summer holiday many people turn to sunbeds to top up their tan but could this habit be endangering their life? In this activity students are working as researchers on a TV show planning a report about the claim that sunbeds cause skin cancer. Students will use knowledge about UV light to […]
Genetic tests can be used to determine whether a person is a carrier of a genetic condition – but is having a test always the best thing to do? In this lesson the students are presented with an intriguing dilemma about whether a boy should have a screening test after his fiancée has found out […]
Scientists have discovered a giant 30 000 year old virus still alive under the permafrost. As the world warms, others will be uncovered. Could such an ancient virus wipe out the human race? In this activity, learn how to interrogate sources to separate science fact from fiction. Learning objectives Apply knowledge of microorganisms to check […]
Imagine it is 2020 and students are about to get their first car. Increased carbon dioxide emissions have led to huge financial incentives to buy alternatives to petrol engines – but which car is best? In this activity students examine evidence and come to a decision on who wins the Car Wars. Learning objectives Apply knowledge […]