Strand B: Human Impact on the environment

This backgrounder explains what greenhouse gases are and how they contribute to climate change.

Water is a precious natural resource. What happens if it gets polluted? Learn how water can be cleaned with this hands-on activity?

Learn about the chemical reaction that happens between acid rain and limestone.

Biofuels like ethanol might help fight climate change. But they can contribute to food insecurity and greenhouse gases in ways that might surprise you.

These two “point-counterpoint” videos provide arguments for and against using nuclear energy to generate electricity.

The fracking process gets natural gases out of rocks. This process can have effects on freshwater, water quality and even earthquakes!

What is the nitrogen cycle? How do human activities such as using fertilizer affect the nitrogen cycle? How can this cause greenhouse gases?

One-third of all food produced is wasted. Learn about the environmental consequences of food waste, and what you can do about it.

Learn the organic chemistry behind this very useful plastic. Why is recycling polystyrene hard? Why does polystyrene often end up as solid waste?

The ocean is full of very small but very useful creatures called microbes. Without them, none of the sea plants or animals you’ve seen would exist!

Did you know that too much carbon dioxide in the classroom can affect your body, and even your grades?

Learn how you can write and reveal secret messages in this hands-on chemistry activity.

When a species ends up outside of its natural zone, the consequences on other species, ecosystems and human industries can be severe. Climate change and human activities can introduce species into new zones.

Learn how to make a pH indicator and test water samples.

Green walls use plant processes to improve air quality in buildings.