Lesson summary
In this lesson, students will examine the environmental, social and economic impacts of abandoned mine sites and explore how innovative rehabilitation projects, like the Kidston Pumped Hydro renewable project, can transform these sites. They will also evaluate how new evidence and perspectives in science can lead to changes in knowledge and influence responses to contemporary issues.
Learning intentions:
Students will...
- understand the impact of abandoned mine sites
- explore innovative practices in mine site regeneration, focusing on how sustainability priorities can transform these sites into renewable energy hubs.
Success criteria:
Students can...
- assess the environmental, social and economic impacts of abandoned mine sites
- outline methods used to rehabilitate mine sites, and the benefits these methods provide to the environment and communities
- evaluate how the Kidston Pumped Hydro renewable project demonstrates sustainable and efficient practices by transforming an old mine site into a renewable energy source.
Lesson guides and printables
Lesson details
Skills
This lesson is designed to build students’ competencies in the following skills:
- critical thinking
- collaboration
- communication
- community engagement
- ethical understanding
Curriculum Mapping
Australian Curriculum (v9.0) content description: Year 8, Science
Students learn to:
- explain how new evidence or different perspectives can lead to changes in scientific knowledge (AC9S8H01)
- examine how proposed scientific responses to contemporary issues may impact society and explore ethical, environmental, social and economic considerations (AC9S8H03).
Relevant parts of Year 8 achievement standards: Students analyse how different factors influence the development of and lead to changes in scientific knowledge. They analyse the key considerations that inform scientific responses and how these responses impact society.
NSW Syllabus outcomes:
- explains how observations are used by scientists to increase knowledge and understanding of the Universe (SC4-OTU-01)
General capabilities: Critical and Creative Thinking, Literacy, Ethical Understanding, Personal and Social Capability
Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium: facilitate class discussion, group work and individual research.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
UN SDG 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
- Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services.
- Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
Resources Required
- Device capable of displaying audiovisual material
- Student devices for individual research
- Student Worksheet
Additional Info
This lesson has been developed in partnership with the Queensland Government through Queensland's Clean Energy Workforce Roadmap. Cool.org would like to acknowledge and express our gratitude to the Clean Energy Council for the expertise and advice provided in creating these resources.
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