2. What happens when people burn fossil fuels?

3. Why is acid rain dangerous for animals?

4. How does acid rain harm forests?

5. How can we reduce the number of pollutants that create acid rain? 

·         Litmus paper

·         7 solutions – 3 acidic, 3 basic, 1 neutral

·         8 beakers

·         Graduated cylinders

·         Paper, pen, chart, colours

Health and Safety Considerations:

·         Basic lab safety procedure 

·         Bags under the table,

·         No eating/drinking etc
·         Lab goggles on during experiment

·         Any spills to be reported to teacher

·         If anything gets into eyes/on hands wash

https://www.folensonline.ie/home/library/programmes/essential-science/ebook/ - essential science ebook.

2.       Gormally, Cara; Brickman, Peggy; Hallar, Brittan; and Armstrong, Norris (2009) "Effects of Inquiry-based Learning on Students’ Science Literacy Skills and Confidence," International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning: Vol. 3: No. 2, Article 16.

I used the second paper above to learn about the effect of inquiry based learning in science on students literacy skills and confidence. Inquiry-based learning had been promoted to increase literacy and skill development, but we were never taught about how this level of improved confidence and literacy compared to that of the old junior cert cycle, so this paper provided valuable insight into that.. The study outlined in the paper demonstrated “greater improvements in the students’ literacy and research skills using inquiry lab instruction”. The study also found that  “students gained self-confidence in scientific abilities, but traditional students’ gain was greater –likely indicating that the traditional curriculum promoted over-confidence.” Students who were subjected to inquiry based learning “valued more authentic science exposure but acknowledged that experiencing the complexity and frustrations faced by practicing scientists was challenging” The paper also outlines that students may show resistance to the inquiry based learning approach, so I was able to prepare for that too.