This resource is designed to provide opportunities for the development and assessment of the following Key Skills up to Level 3:
- Communication
- Application of Number
- Information Technology.
The material also includes the Key Skills of Working with Others and Problem Solving.
The resource, produced in conjunction with Edexcel, investigates the problems encountered when deciding whether land is contaminated. The material is based on real land surveys.
The resource was originally designed for A-Level Chemistry, A-Level Biology and AVCE Science courses. However, preliminary trials of the material showed that much of it would be suitable for a wide range of post-16 courses. The chemistry practical elements were therefore included as an optional extra. In addition to developing and assessing Key Skills, the resource can be used to deliver aspects of:
- Land and environment units
- Sampling
- Qualitative and quantitative analysis
- Group I, II, III and transition element chemistry.
The scenario covered in the resource is that a new music block needs to be built on a school�s playing field. The field is believed to have been contaminated with asbestos because it was originally the site of a gas works. There is a high probability that when the foundations for the music block are being prepared, any asbestos fibres present will be disturbed. Students have to work in teams acting as contaminated land experts. Their task is to decide on a suitable, asbestos free, location for the music block and report their findings either orally or by means of a report and a poster. There is also an opportunity to carry out a role playing exercise where students discuss the problem of the contamination of the school playing field.
This resource is available free to teachers. Please contact:
VAM Sales, LGC
020 8943 8441
[email protected]