Gold rush
Students consider the Californian Gold Rush and its impact on the environment. They look at an of analysis of mercury in fish from rivers and lakes in the historical gold rush mining area.

Hill top
Students compare data from conventional and organic sheep farms and look at real data to determine the cause of illness in cattle on some of the farms.

MRSA
MRSA is found on people’s skin, and in hospitals where it can cause serious infections in vulnerable people. Students look at MRSA infection and whether metals have antimicrobial properties.

Magic bullet
Students trace developments that led to modern chemotherapy. The focus is the idea of ‘magic bullets’ – chemicals that target and kill disease-causing organisms while leaving normal body cells unharmed.

Eruption warning
In June 1991, Mount Pinatubo erupted, in the second largest eruption in the world, during the 20th century. Students look at how scientists monitor and warn of eruptions.

Skin cancer
Skin cancers are extremely common. In this unit students learn about melanoma and analyse data on the incidence of melanoma. They also learn about the UV index forecasts and assess the risk of sunburn for different skin types and at different locations.

Kidney failure
Students look briefly at the role of the kidney and then focus on methods of treating kidney failure and the issues surrounding the lack of organs for transplant.

Animal research
Ethical questions arise from the conflicts between concern for animal welfare and the need to use animals in some way. The unit introduces the idea that the discussion of controversial issues relating to the conduct and application of science involves making decisions.

The transport problem
In this unit students consider the ethical questions that arise from the conflict between the increasing use of energy and the need to reduce energy consumption and the use of fossil fuels.

Difficult decisions
The aim of this unit is to introduce the idea that the discussion of controversial issues relating to the conduct and application of science involves making decisions about what it is possible to do and about what should be done.

Taking risks
The unit provides students with opportunities to compare the risks associated with different activities using data at personal, community, national and global levels.

Pesticides and food
This unit focuses on the consumer and considers whether or not we should be concerned about any pesticide residues that may be found on fruit and vegetables.

Air quality
Air pollutants arise from natural processes and human activities. Students investigate air pollution, how it is monitored and the effect on human health.

Biomass and biofuels
Students consider the consequences of expansion of palm oil plantations and their effects on biodiversity and landscapes.

Carbon footprints and the greenhouse effect
A look at the greenhouse effect and global warming. Students consider how their activities may increase carbon dioxide levels and ways of reducing their carbon footprint.