UNESCO resource kit - science and technology educa...

Outline of the modules (continued)
22 Wind power
In this module, students are asked to:
• find out about wind turbines and where they
are best sited;
• make power estimates and calculations;
• make cost effectiveness calculations;
• make measurements of wind speeds;
• suggest a suitable site for a wind turbine;
• evaluate the envirnomental impact of a
proposed wind turbine.
23 Alcohol in your body
In this module, students are asked to:
• consider the social context of alcohol
consumption;
• calculate the alcohol content of a variety of
drinks;
• analyse data relating to the metabolism of
alcohol in the body;
• apply their knowledge to devise publicity in
favour of responsible alcohol use.
24 Testing the quality of food
In this module, students are asked to:
• interpret information about food adulteration;
• carry out simple tests on samples of
adulterated foods;
• find out about the work of food inspectors;
• explain the importance of the work of food
inspectors.
Wind power is a renewable resource, and is readily
available in many parts of the world. Traditionally,
it has been used for operating mills and pumps;
today, it is finding new applications in electricity
generation.
This module could be used as part of a study of
renewable energy resources. It provides opportunities
for students to consider the appropriateness of
wind power in their local situation.
The consumption of alcohol is a sensitive topic.
Some students may already be users of alcohol;
others may come from backgrounds where alcohol
is not used; some may have cases of abuse in their
families. Some caution will be needed in opening
up this topic.
The module shows how some basic ideas from
chemistry can be applied in a Health Education
topic. You might start by having a brief discussion
of the effects of alcohol on the body, as shown in the
table on page 1. It is likely that students will take
the.opportunity to tell of their own experiences
(first or second-hand). This can cause amusement;
however, it is advisable to let this run its course
before making the point that alcohol use and abuse
is a serious topic. All societies where adults use
alcohol as a social drug have rules about alcohol
consumption, and ways of inducting children into
sensible use. This is the focus of the discussion on
page 1. Thereafter, the unit deals with various
aspects in a fairly straightforward way.
This module encourages pupils to think about food
quality, why it may be poor, and how it may be
checked. Although the module was developed for
use in schools in Nepal, the same issues arise in
every culture. For most people, the state provides
some protection via a food inspection service.
The module starts by presenting the problem of
food adulteration. Pupils can then carry out some
simple tests on samples of adulterated foods.
Then they are asked to find out about the Food
Inspection service. Finally they can present what
they have learned through a short piece of drama.