Chemistry/Environmental Sciences: The Chemistry of The Natural Environment – How Chemical Processes In Deep Dark Caves Shine A Light On Surface Environmental Change With Dr Peter Wynn – Society for Natural Sciences
May 8 @ 13:30 - 14:15
In this interactive talk, we bring together topics in Chemistry and Environmental Science. We explore the fascinating world of caves and the chemistry they contain, addressing the way in which inorganic elements become trapped within cave stalagmites to record one of the best-preserved records of surface environmental change.
We consider how stable isotopes of chemical elements can be purified from the stalagmites, analysed by modern analytical techniques, and used to trace environmental pollutants to source. We link the chemistry of everyday environmental processes to key topics of learning within the A-level syllabus and bring classroom learning to life through real-world applications. Witness how modern analytical chemistry can help humanity to contextualise the changing world in which we live.
Dr Peter Wynn is a Reader at Lancaster University, UK, and a committee member of the Society for Natural Sciences, a national learned society that promotes interdisciplinary science education and research.
Follow-up resources linking this webinar to A-level, BTEC, T-level and IB curricula will be made available after this session via the Society for Natural Sciences website.
Lecturer Profile: Dr Peter Wynn
About Natural Sciences Natural Sciences is the study of our physical world, exploring scientific and related topics without being confined by the boundaries of traditional disciplines. Natural Sciences degrees allow students to study more than one discipline at undergraduate level, combining subjects that match their own interests, enabling them to discover where their passions lie. While the specific structures of Natural Sciences programmes in the UK vary, they all provide a degree experience that encourages interdisciplinary thinking and takes students beyond discipline silos. This benefits not only graduates who choose to work in interdisciplinary areas but also brings a wider perspective to those who move into a single discipline. This seminar is sponsored by the Society for Natural Sciences and covers a typical Natural Sciences subject area.
Our events are designed so that a group of students can take part from a classroom or students and teachers can take part as individuals, either from school or from home. There is no cost to take part.
As a live, participative event, the session will not be recorded but follow up resources will be made available.
Suitable for: Year 12 and 13 students (and equivalent). This session is designed to support Chemistry and Environmental Science students, as well as STEM students interested in how interdisciplinary science is tackling humanity’s most urgent questions.
Preparation/Pre-Reading: No preparation or pre-reading is required although you may wish to consider the proposed subject area and related questions you might like to ask.
The IT Setup: The event will be run on Zoom meetings and participants will be able to join using laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. If you are joining as a school group, we recommend connecting with one device and projecting on to a whiteboard. You will be able to interact with the university via typed comments and questions and/or using a microphone (your choice). Full details will be sent to those who have registered (see below) prior to the event.
Booking a Place: This is free for schools and colleges. If you would like to take part in this event, please register your interest using the link to the registration form below: