Lesson Plan

3. Discover how Anglian Water’s sewage works are being converted into “green” energy

N22_KS3_03

Intent

Lesson Outcomes

  • How sewage works are used in the production of fertiliser
  • How water treatment plants can be used to produce energy

National Curriculum

  • Earth as a source of limited resources and the efficacy of recycling
  • Calculation of fuel uses and costs in the domestic context
  • The production of carbon dioxide by human activity and the impact on climate
  • L1 – Pupils learn study, organisational, research and presentation skills

Working Scientifically

  • Present observations and data using appropriate methods, including tables and graphs

Resources

Resources: pen, pencil

Handout: Handout contains energy calculation challenges to explore the output of energy created through poo power versus an alternative power and a survey to ascertain peoples’ attitudes towards ‘Poo Power’.

Rocket words

  • pasteurisation
  • biogas
  • megawatt
  • biosolid
  • fertiliser

Implementation

Starter

Ask pupils if they have ever seen a cow pat steaming? Discuss what could happen to the energy given off through a cow pat.

Main Teaching

Ask the pupils to interview some of the older people about how sanitation and sanitation products have changed in their lifetime. Ask pupils to prepare a report of their findings. Carry out a survey amongst their family and/or peers to gauge their knowledge of Poo Power and their attitudes to using poo as a source of energy i.e. what do people think about it, what are their concerns, would they welcome the idea etc. This could be done in a broader context by seeking views on other sources of energy such as nuclear energy and wind power. Ask the pupils to prepare their findings using ICT for presentations to the class or to the whole school in an assembly.

Career Film: Emily Timmins works as the Director of Water Recycling at Anglian Water. Click on the tour to learn more about Emily's job role.

Expert Film: Ellie Henderson, a Community Education Manager at Anglian Water, talks about how Anglian Water is using 'Poo Power' as a renewable energy source.

Mission Assignment

Complete a survey to ascertain peoples’ attitudes towards ‘Poo Power’.

Use the results of your survey as the basis of a presentation which could be shared with your form group or an assembly.

Challenge Task:

Plan a campaign to make people more aware of the advantages of ‘Poo Power’.

Impact & Assessment Opportunities

Plenary

Discuss how could poo power be utilised more effectively.