LAMP Topic Brief 3: Pollution

This topic brief was published as part of the ASE’s LAMP Project. The unit developed from a short course, first carried out with a non-examination group of students in their final year at a large inner-city comprehensive school in September and October of 1973. Subsequently is was extended to its published form for use with classes of approximately 25 lower stream boys and girls. At the time of publication most of these students left school without entering for any external examinations.

Aims
The unit was intended to explore the links between science, its methods of investigation and certain aspects of the relationship between science and the community, through the simple investigation of a social problem, pollution. Classroom activities were designed to emphasise:
1. Development of reading skills through science.
2. Co-operative work on a joint display of individual findings.

Contents
1. Causes and effects of air pollution
2. Use of indicator species in surveying air pollution
3. Lichen survey
4. Mapping air pollution around the school
5. Causes and effects of water pollution
6/7. Water pollution survey
8. Mapping water pollution along a section of river
9. Investigating the detergent content of water samples
10. Drawing specimens collected in surveys
11. The effects of oil on feathers
12. Culprits of air pollution: sulphur dioxide
13. Culprits of air pollution: Carbon monoxide
14. Controlling air pollution
15. Display

HEALTH and SAFETY
Any use of a resource that includes a practical activity must include a risk assessment. Please note that collections may contain ARCHIVE resources, which were developed at a much earlier date. Since that time there have been significant changes in the rules and guidance affecting laboratory practical work. Further information is provided in our Health and Safety guidance.

• URL: http://stem.org.uk/rx6v7