Practical activity: Particulate matter testing

Chemistry: Earth and atmosphere

• the carbon cycle
• the composition of the atmosphere
• the production of carbon dioxide by human activity and the impact on climate

Chemistry: The particulate nature of matter

• the properties of the different states of matter (solid, liquid and gas) in terms of the particle model, including gas pressure
• changes of state in terms of the particle model

Biology: Interactions and interdependencies

Relationships in an ecosystem

• the interdependence of organisms in an ecosystem, including food webs and insect pollinated crops
• how organisms affect, and are affected by, their environment, including the accumulation of toxic materials

Geography: Human and physical

• understand how human and physical processes interact to influence, and change landscapes, environments and the climate; and how human activity relies on effective functioning of natural systems

Working Scientifically Skills

Experimental skills and investigations

• use appropriate techniques, apparatus, and materials during fieldwork and laboratory work, paying attention to health and safety
• apply sampling techniques

Analysis and evaluation

• present reasoned explanations, including explaining data in relation to predictions and hypotheses
• evaluate data, showing awareness of potential sources ofrandom and systematic error
• identify further questions arising from their results

Scientific attitudes

• pay attention to objectivity and concern for accuracy, precision, repeatability and reproducibility
• evaluate risks

Planet Earth

Processes of the planet

I can explain some of the processes which contribute to climate change and discuss the possible impact of atmospheric change on the survival of living things. SCN 3-05b

• Explains how the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere have increased over time, for example, through respiration of organisms, deforestation and increased combustion of fuels.
• Draws on supporting evidence, quotes and sources to demonstrate an association between carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and increasing global temperatures as a result of the greenhouse effect.

By contributing to experiments and investigations, I can develop my understanding of models of matter and can apply this to changes of state and the energy involved as they occur in nature. SCN 3-05a

• Describes, using particle models and diagrams, the properties of solids, liquids and gases and applies this knowledge toidentify and classify unknown substances
• Applies understanding of models of matter to explain changes of state in terms of energy being gained or lost by a substance.

Third Level Scientific Skills

Inquiry and Investigative Skills:

Plans and designs scientific investigations and enquiries:

• Demonstrates initiative and increasing independence in identifying a number of key questions and in formulating aims, predictions and hypotheses based on information, observations and knowledge.
• Demonstrates increased levels of collaboration and initiative in decision-making about samples, measurements, equipment and procedures to use

Carries out practical activities within a variety of learning environments:

• Applies safety measures to control all risks and hazards identified

Analyses, interprets and evaluates scientific findings:

• Interprets and analyses data and information to establish relationships between the independent and dependent variables and links to the original hypothesis
• Establishes links between the findings, aim and hypothesis
• Relates findings to scientific knowledge and understanding
• Draws a conclusion based on results gathered and in relation to the aim

Presents scientific findings:

• Presents data/information using an increasing range of tables, charts, diagrams and graphs and using suitable scales, with limited assistance

Scientific Analytical Thinking Skills:

• Applies understanding of an increasing range of science concepts to solve problems and provide solutions.

Science AOLE

Being Curious:

• I can research, devise and use suitable methods of inquiry to investigate my scientific questions.
• I can use my findings to draw valid conclusions.

Humanities AOLE

Enquiry:

• I can use my experiences to generate ideas independently and frame enquiries, using a range of research approaches.
• I can analyse, present and reflect on my findings, describing patterns and explaining relationships across data and sources.

LNF relevance

Numeracy:

Developing numeracy skills in real-world contexts including collecting numerical data.

Analysing and representing data in a variety of ways, predict and draw conclusions.

Curriculum Subject Links

• The environment and human influences
• Investigate the effects of pollution, for example, water, air, land, sound etc. and specific measures to improve and protect the environment, for example, renewable energy, efficient use of resources and waste minimisation etc.
• Investigate what can be done to conserve and promote biodiversity, for example, school wildlife gardens / wilderness areas, anti-pollution strategies, habitat management etc.

Curriculum Skill Links

• Thinking, Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
• Planning for investigations, obtaining evidence, presenting and interpreting results
• Demonstrate a range of practical skills in undertaking experiments, including the safe use of scientific equipment and appropriate mathematical calculations
• Use investigative skills to explore scientific issues, solve problems and make informed decisions