Contemporary Science Issues: Lessons for Key Stage 4

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These resources were developed by the Gatsby Science Enhancement Programme in collaboration with Keele University in order to provide support for teaching aspects of ‘How Science Works’. The emphasis of the materials is on ‘data, evidence, theories and explanations’ linked to ‘applications and implications of science’, addressed through contemporary science issues. Originally published as a CD-ROM, the pack comprises a set of 18 lessons (six each for physics, chemistry and biology). Each lesson is supported by a complete set of resources, lesson plans, technical advice, worksheets and assessment materials.

The lessons are in Word or PowerPoint format, so that they can be adapted as necessary. The resource consists of three themes, each consisting of several lessons:

Biology
• Lesson 1: Cannabis – dangerous or beneficial?
• Lesson 2: Organ transplantation – facts and dilemmas
• Lesson 3: DNA discovery
• Lesson 4: Should we diet?
• Lesson 5: Who did it? (Forensic Science)
• Lesson 6: New medicines

Chemistry
• Lesson 7: Siting an aluminium smelter
• Lesson 8: Alternative sources of energy
• Lesson 9: Global warming – is it real?
• Lesson 10: Chemical warfare – are you protected?
• Lesson 11: The Earth’s crust
• Lesson 12: The periodic table

Physics
• Lesson 13: The Martian colony
• Lesson 14: Journey to the centre of the Earth
• Lesson 15: Are mobile phones bad for your health?
• Lesson 16: Has the universe always been there?
• Lesson 17: Waves of war (RADAR)
• Lesson 18: Car crash safety

The CD-ROM version of these resources can be purchased from Mindsets.

URL: http://stem.org.uk/rx658

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