Natural Sciences, Technology and Society

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The project presents two topics: "Smells – Only in Cosmetics?" and "Is handmade soap viable in today's world?" "Smells – Only in Cosmetics?" helps to understand the role of smells around us. "Is handmade soap viable in today's world?" focuses on different detergents (soaps in particular) and their cleaning effect.

In “Smells – Only in Cosmetics?”, pupils learn to separate essential oils from plant material and choose the most suitable method for this, and to better understand the nature of science. The activity is based on a problematic situation where a bottle containing a strange liquid is found in a passenger’s luggage at an airport’s security checkpoint. However, once its contents have been analysed it emerges that the bottle did not contain prohibited substances.

In “Is handmade soap viable in today’s world?”, pupils are expected to design and carry out the synthesis of soap, come up with experiments to test the properties of soap and make calculated decisions regarding the usability of handmade soap. The activity is based on a problematic situation: which soap or other detergent to choose and whether handmade soaps have a place in today’s world.

The aim of the project was to reinforce information on how to implement in new situations knowledge previously obtained in natural sciences classes, based on the scientific content of modern problems related to the social sciences. Materials on several topics for both pupils and teachers were drawn up in the course of the project. The materials focused on how to implement existing knowledge in new contexts, develop problem-solving and decision-making skills, improve the pupils’ motivation to study, and understand the role of the natural sciences in everyday life. All modules can be used for a) aggregating studied material to convert it suitably for a new context; and b) teaching new subject content, choosing a suitable field to focus on.

 

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