Environmental issues
To date, they have discovered 10 new molecular structures found in a species of red seaweed. Some of these chemical compounds showed the potential to kill cancer cells, bacteria and the HIV virus.
(Georgia Institute of Technology press release,
July19, 2005.)
When studying materials in a scientific context, the global dimension could be introduced through various environmental issues, such as waste and recycling.
Exploring the development and use of materials worldwide will also give a clearer perspective on science in other countries and help dispel the stereotype that science only takes place in the 'North'. (See the synthetic rocks mentioned in part 3 of the Activity on the right.)
Looking at industry
Many teachers find that the experience of forging partnerships with industry, both locally and farther afield, enhances their teaching skills and broadens their own professional development.
Just as scientists are often misrepresented in films and television (Unit 2, Activity on page 1), there are preconceptions about 'industry' and what the word itself suggests. If misconceptions abound over the chemical industry in this country, how much more vague are our ideas of chemical use on other continents?
A trawl through the industry in your local area might include small companies, farms, hospitals, supermarkets, garden centres, as well as the more obvious candidates.
Programmes such as 'Children Challenging Industry' and the current 'Primary Science Enhancement Project' at the University of York have shown the benefit to teachers and primary pupils of linking schools and industry.
Click on the link below to read more. Primary Science Enhancement Project
These programmes show the relevance of chemistry and scientific enquiry skills in the real world and showcase possible employment for pupils. Industry is seen in a much clearer light and the awareness of environmental issues in the wider world can be raised. In addition, programmes such as these help teachers to access training opportunities in industry.
Now turn to the Activity on the right.
Activity Resources:
- Images
- Interactive
- Sound
- Text
- Video
Activity
- If you are working through this unit with colleagues, ask them to quickly jot down five words that they associate with the word 'industry' on separate, small pieces of paper.
- Sort the results into appropriate groups and discuss.
- If you have a preponderance of words linked to pollution, dirt, heavy industry, male-dominated industries and large organisations, consider whether these views are stereotypes or entirely justified.
- Certain materials have been key to the development of whole civilisations. Click on the link below to see four such materials. Follow the links to the 'World changers'. Science Museum Consider how you could use this information to develop pupils' understanding of the global impact of science.
- Fish tanks and public aquariums worldwide use live coral. The species that live on it help maintain water quality. But excessive harvesting of coral for this trade is not sustainable and can decimate the reefs.
Villagers in Fiji are creating an environmentally-sound alternative. They are suspending synthetic rock-like structures in the sea. These are colonised by seaweeds and creatures usually found on reefs. After eight months, the villagers harvest the 'living' rocks and sell them to aquariums.
Initiated by scientists from the Georgia Institute of Technology, the project helps coastal communities to conserve their local reef ecosystems. This is important for the villagers who rely on the reef to make a living. It also means scientists can research the chemicals present in species found on coral reefs and their effects on, for example, cancer and AIDS.
The article on the 'USinfo' website gives greater detail on this project - click on the link below:USinfo Consider how you could use this case study to develop pupils' understanding of the global relevance of science.
Pupil activity:
For young children, an interesting introduction to chemistry and the global dimension could be achieved by a lesson on baking and breads from around the world. See the article featured under the Text icon above.
