Environment, Earth and the universe

Science

Secondary

Leading geneticist Craig Venter speaks on future technologies

Science author and broadcaster Richard Corfield interviews Craig Venter, regarded as one of the leading scientists of the 21st Century for his work in genomic research. In 1998 Craig Venter succeeded in sequencing the human genome using the whole genome shotgun technique and new automated DNA sequencing machines. Today he argues that CO2 in the atmosphere is the biggest problem facing our planet. We are now in the century of biology, he believes, and synthetic chromosomes could be the new tool-set used by scientists in the future. New biological technologies could replace our petrochemical industries and create and form a new type of sustainable energy, he suggests.

An Interview with Craig Venter

A rocket scientist tours a South African telescope: KS3/4 science

A rocket scientist tours a huge telescope in South Africa, in this lesson starter on astronomy for Key Stage 3/4 science pupils. Dr Maggie Aderin explains how the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) works and meets the people who operate the mechanism, in this classroom resource for secondary students PSHE. She is the UK's only black female rocket scientist and she's in high demand for her inspiring science talks.

Astronomy: Inside a Telescope

An illustrated introduction to the topic of climate change

This richly illustrated programme uses animation and natural history footage to provide an introduction to the topic of climate change at Key Stage 3/4. Concepts covered include: naturally occurring greenhouse gases; natural variations in climate; industrialisation and population growth; use of fossil fuels and carbon dioxide emissions. The programme also considers the reasons why climate change can appear to be controversial, looks at how scientists ensure their research is valid, and explains some of the moral and political dilemmas posed by climate change.

Climate Change - The Causes

A look at the potential impacts of climate change

An illustrated look at the potential impacts of climate change, focusing on examples from around the globe. Environments including African drought plains and the diverse Bangladeshi topography are analysed. We also explore the impact that climate change is having on polar bears in the Arctic and coral reef ecosystems in the tropics. This programme makes the point that though such threats to the environment are real their final impact is not inevitable, encouraging students to think about and discuss what should be done.

Climate Change - The Impacts

California lead the way in creating a sustainable environment

This programme highlights two of the outstanding sustainability initiatives from California, which is pushing towards a greener future. The Golden State is at the forefront of developing non-polluting cars, with hydrogen as the potential fuel of the future. The programme also showcases the largest wind turbines installed in the US and reveals why this kind of clean energy is important for the future sustainability of California.

Energy and Recycling

Volcanic gas and lava flow for KS4 science

Aimed at GCSE science classes, this short video looks at volcanic emissions and lava flow. Following a team of volcanologists at Mount Etna, they show us they way in which lava cools to form igneous rock. Depending on the mineral composition of the lava, it will cool and form two distinctive structures, known as aa and pahoehoe. They also explain how volcanoes also emit huge amounts of gases when they erupt, such as Carbon Dioxide, Sulphur Dioxide and even Gold, which can significantly alter the earth's atmosphere for years.

How Science Works - Journey to Etna: Lava Flow and Gas Emissions

A focus group to learn the best ways to teach Climate Change

Two Sheffield-based schools participate in a focus group on climate change in order to debate their thoughts on teaching the controversial topic. Nicky Reckless and John Lyon from the Geographical Association host the session in an attempt to find the best way of teaching climate change and to discover what students actually want to learn. Students from King Edward VII School want to find out whether there is a link between using an everyday electrical product and climate change, so the teachers brainstorm ideas and plan lessons with their students. We then see the lesson come to life as the students use first-hand experiences to create a role play about Sheffield's recent flooding.

KS3/4 Geography - Climate Change Teaching Solutions

Explore a futuristic approach to teaching climate change

Explore a creative and dynamic approach to teaching students about climate change, as we follow a futuristic lesson based on the theme of Dr Who. John Lyon, programme director at the Geographical Association visits Silverdale School in Sheffield to teach Key Stage 3 pupils about how climate change could affect their lives. In keeping with his theme, Lyon transforms the classroom into a Tardis, complete with shuffled-up diary entries along the time-line of 1970-2070. Each group of students has to sort the cards into the appropriate time period. The class are then presented with a mixture of gloomy and attractive future scenarios and are asked to rate them in order of preference. They then create a video diary, aimed at their grandchildren, detailing their futuristic environmental promises.

KS3/4 Geography - Climate Change Time-Line

An alphabetical journey through the main issues of climate change

Fifteen-year-old Jordan Stephens, Defra's young climate change champion for the south east, takes us through the A-Z of climate change with a selection of expert interviews. Chief scientific advisor, Sir David King, talks Jordan through current Government targets while Green MEP Sian Berry explains why she is determined to get gas-guzzling 4x4s off our roads. We also hear from Defra's Alex Palman who describes the effects of carbon emissions, and controversial author Richard D North, who doesn't hold back with his views. Through this alphabetical journey, Jordan quickly gains an insight into the enormous and sometimes intimidating topic of climate change.

KS3/4 Geography - The A-Z of Climate Change

Pupils gain a first-hand learning experience on an organic farm

Follow a group of Year 8 pupils from St Bartholomew's School in the rural town of Newbury as they visit the organic Rushall Farm in Berkshire. As these pupils demonstrate, even children from rural areas can often have very little idea of countryside issues and how they relate to the food on their plate. Recent research suggests that a generation of "concrete children" are growing up in England, with an estimated 1.1 million pupils never visiting the countryside. These children are likely to have a very limited understanding of how the food chain works. Launched in September 2007, the Year of Food and Farming aims to change this trend by promoting a positive image of food production in Britain and enabling children to learn more about the environment through first-hand learning experiences on farms.

Professional Development for Quality Teaching

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