Phase 3 - Student research project and action plan

Makes valid contributions to the team and its investigations

Shows an awareness of local air pollution issues

Demonstrates a commitment to undertaking an investigation

Presents data and information in an appropriate and relevant form 

Brainstorm, as a class, some of the air pollution issues in the local area

Divide the class into smaller teams that each focus on a particular issue

Each team decides on a procedure that will collect some data on the issue being investigated-many experimental procedures, surveys etc are presented in the Airwatch booklet. For example:

• Designing a particle collector and Collecting particles pp. 28-29 (airpoll_5.pdf 64kb); The burning question and Choosing the best fuel for a wood fire pp. 52-53 (perspace_6.pdf 53 kb); The family car, Car log (local_2.pdf 51 kb) and Passenger count pp. 58-60 (local_3.pdf 51 kb) etc

Teams follow Steps 1-6 pp. 90-94 and present a report that includes their practical investigation and their action plan. Reports should include at least:

• an aim
• a hypothesis
• an investigation plan identifying the resources required, variables involved (dependant/independent) and an investigation timeline
• equipment/resources used and why they were chosen
• investigation method including safety considerations
• investigation results tabled/graphed appropriately
• a discussion and conclusion
• a list of references

Each team presents the results of their investigation to the class/cohort. Data collected may be entered into the National Air Monitoring Program. See www.airwatch.gov.au for more information. 

Outcome 4.4

A student:

4.4 identifies choices made by people with regard to scientific developments.

Core content 4/5.4

Students will learn about

4/5.4 implications of science for society and the environment to:

1. discuss viewpoints about some issues with a major scientific component
2. give examples to show that different societal groups may use or weight criteria differently to make a decision about an issue involving a major scientific component

Outcome 4.13

A student

4.13 clarifies the purpose of an investigation and, with guidance, produces a plan to investigate a problem.

Core content-Skills 4/5.13.1 to 4/5.13.3

A student will learn to:

4/5.13.1 identify data sources to:

1. describe a problem, hypothesis or question that can be tested or researched
2. propose possible sources of data and/or information relevant to the investigation
3. identify what type of information or data needs to be collected

1. recommend the use of an appropriate technology or strategy for collecting data or gathering information
2. formulate a means of recording the data to be gathered or the information to be collected

4/5.13.2 plan first-hand experiences to:

1. identify variables that need to be kept the same if first-hand data is to be collected
2. specify the dependent and independent variables when planning controlled experiments
3. describe a logical procedure for undertaking a simple or controlled experiment
4. establish an appropriate timeline for an investigation

4/5.13.3 choose equipment or resources to:

1. identify advantages and limitations of using particular laboratory equipment for a specific task
2. select appropriate equipment (including safety equipment) and/or resources to perform the task
3. describe ways to reduce the risk to themselves and others when working in the laboratory or field.

Outcome 4.18

A student:

4.18 with guidance, presents information to an audience to achieve a particular outcome.

Core content-Skills 4/5.18

A student will learn to

4/5.18 present information to:

1. select, and use appropriately, a discussion, explanation, procedure, exposition, recount, report, response or experimental record for oral or written presentation
2. select and use an appropriate medium to present data and information
3. select and use an appropriate method to acknowledge sources of informationValues and attitudes 4/5.27

A student

4/5.27 acknowledges their responsibility to conserve, protect and maintain the environment for future generations.