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Activity 1 - Nurdles what are they?

Learning Intention

 

By the end of the lesson, students should have a greater idea about the methods that scientists use to estimate the possible origin of the nurdles, based on the contents of the metal accumulation on their surfaces.

 

Curriculum Links

 

Scientific knowledge and understanding of the world changes as new evidence becomes available; science knowledge can develop through collaboration and connecting ideas across the disciplines and practice of science (VCSSU089)

 

Science and technology contribute to finding solutions to a range of contemporary issues; these solutions may impact on other areas of society and involve ethical considerations (VCSSU090)

 

Success Criteria

 

  • I can run an experiment to obtain data for scientific evidence

  • I can use data to connect ideas across various fields of science

  • I can understand that issues in science don’t always have a simple solution due to ethics being involved.

 

Justification

 

The introduction using the flame test demonstration allows students to gain a visual understanding of one of the numerous ways that researchers can test different types of metals by their reaction to a flame. This demonstration provides an example of developing evidence through testing.

 

The nurdle map activity can be used as a tool to encourage collaborative learning and problem-solving. These skills are vital in the work of scientists as they learn to use evidence to connect ideas and possibly find solutions to contemporary issues.

The discussion of possible solutions to the nurdle issue promotes logical reasoning and allows students to use the knowledge they have gathered throughout the lesson to make considerations of how they would tackle the issue. Introducing ethical considerations brings awareness to their decisions and sparks further thinking in regards to the impacts on other areas of society.

 

Activity Guide

 

Part 1

 

Conduct the demonstration of the flame test by following the demonstration sheet provided.

 

Ask students to guess the colour of what the flame will be

 

Discuss why different metals burn different colours



 

 

Part 2

 

Have students complete the nurdle map worksheet. The worksheet requires students to use the keys provided and some problem solving to identify possible countries that the nurdles could have originated from.

 

Lastly, discuss the further understanding questions on the worksheet.

 

Part 3

 

Have students discuss in pairs some possible solutions to the nurdle pollution issue. After a short discussion, encourage students to identify possible ethical considerations that come with their suggested solutions.

 

Formative assessment

 

The part 3 discussion will be used for formative assessment as it draws on students to develop ideas from the knowledge that they have gained over the lesson.

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