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University of Edinburgh Open.Ed

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Free open educational resources from the University of Edinburgh to download and adapt for primary and secondary teaching. Winner of the 2021 OEGlobal Awards for Excellence Open Curation Award for this collection of high quality student made OER on the TES platform.

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Free open educational resources from the University of Edinburgh to download and adapt for primary and secondary teaching. Winner of the 2021 OEGlobal Awards for Excellence Open Curation Award for this collection of high quality student made OER on the TES platform.
Kind Clothing: Sustainable Fashion (Interdisciplinary Learning)
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Kind Clothing: Sustainable Fashion (Interdisciplinary Learning)

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Kind Clothing is a project written for Girlguides, designed by Hannah Fieldsend. It aims to fit into the exciting and varied programme suited to inspire and challenge Girlguides ages 10-14. Any groups looking to achieve their ‘Global Awareness’ guiding essential can use Kind Clothing as part of their programme, and it covers topics such as Sustainability, Environmental Issues and Practical Skills. It consists of three interactive sessions that introduce the idea of Fast Fashion and link it to the concepts of the environment and sustainability. Throughout the sessions there is an overarching project where the girlguides recycle a piece of clothing into a DIY drawstring bag. Learning outcomes: Girlguiding Programme Session 1 Express myself: innovate, communicate Session 2 Express myself: innovate, communicate Skills for my future: live smart Session 3 Know myself: reflect, network Skills for my future: live smart Take action: make change, influence Scottish Curriculum for Excellence Learning Objectives: Session 1 Literacy: LIT 2-07a, I can show my understanding of what I listen to or watch by responding to literal, inferential, evaluative and other types of questions, and by asking different kinds of questions of my own. Environment: SOC 3-08a, I can identify the possible consequences of an environmental issue and make informed suggestions about ways to manage the impact. Session 2 Planetary Processes: SCN 3-05b, I can explain some of the processes, which contribute to climate change and discuss the possible impact of atmospheric change on the survival of living things. Environment: SOC 2-08a, I can discuss the environmental impact of human activity and suggest ways in which we can live in a more environmentally responsible way. Session 3 People in Society: SOC 2-20a, Through exploring ethnical trading, I can understand how people’s basic needs are the same round the world, discussing why some societies are more able to meet these needs than others. People in Society: SOC 3-19a, I can describe how the interdependence of countries affects levels of development, considering the effects on people’s lives. This resource was created as part of the GeoScience Outreach Course which is a 4th year undergraduate course in the School of GeoSciences aiming to provide students with the opportunity to develop their own science communication and engagement project. This resource was originally developed for girlguides, and was successfully run with a girlguide group. Author: Hannah Fieldsend, adapted by Andrew Ferguson. Unless otherwise stated, all content is released under a CC BY SA 4.0 license.
Earth’s materials: volcanic eruptions (Interdisciplinary Learning)
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Earth’s materials: volcanic eruptions (Interdisciplinary Learning)

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Four lessons giving an introduction to volcanoes and various aspects of geology: Volcano Experiments, “The Debate to Save Heimaey”, Volcanic Eruption Research, and a Field Trip. Educational Level 2 and 3 (SCN 2-17a, SCN 2-19a, SOC 2-07b, SOC 3-07a, TCH 2-02a, LIT 2-02a, EXA 2-14a) This resource makes use of a variety of educational approaches to introduce learners to volcanoes and various aspects of geology. There are four lessons in this resource that lead on from one another. Lesson 1: Introduction to Volcanos Lesson 2: Eruption of Eldfell - The Debate to Save Heimaey Lesson 3: Volcanic Eruption Research Lesson 4: Arthur’s Seat Field Trip Created as part of the School of Geosciences’ Outreach Programme, which allows students in their final year to work in partnership with a local school to develop a set of lesson plans. Author: Isla Simmons Unless otherwise stated all content is released under a CC-BY 4.0 license. Cover image is: Fissure eruption in Holurhraun (Iceland), 13. September 2014 by Joschenbacher (Wikimedia), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Adaptation and extinction of woolly mammoths (Interdisciplinary Learning)
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Adaptation and extinction of woolly mammoths (Interdisciplinary Learning)

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Three lessons covering, adaptation, survival characteristics and the extinction of the woolly mammoth with comparison to living elephants. Includes presentation slides and student worksheet with answers. Aimed at Level 2 (Biodiversity and interdependence, SCN 2-01a) This resource bundle includes: Lesson 1: Woolly mammoths and the ice age Lesson 2: The pygmy mammoths Lesson 3: Comparison of African elephant and the woolly mammoth Created as part of the School of Geosciences’ Outreach Programme, which allows students in their final year to work in partnership with a local school to develop a set of lesson plans. Author: Chloe Young, adapted by Cecily Plascott. Unless otherwise stated all content is released under a CC-BY 4.0 license. Cover image: Model of Mammuth primigenius at the Royal BC Museum by Iain Reid is licensed under CC-BY-SA-4.0.
Descriptive Statistics: Describing Data & Variables
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Descriptive Statistics: Describing Data & Variables

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A power point resource for teachers of biology, geography and environmental science for pupils studying at Advanced Higher (AS-Level, and above), and early FE/HE levels. Of use for helping to achieve a basic understanding of the different terms used to describe data and variables commonplace in literature on the internet. It complements the Geoscience Guides (https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/guide-to-descriptive-statistics-in-geosciences-11308746).
Descriptive Statistics: DISPERSION
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Descriptive Statistics: DISPERSION

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A power point resource for teachers of biology, geography and environmental science for pupils studying at Advanced Higher, ( AS-Level, and above), and early FE/HE levels. Of use for helping to achieve a basic understanding and application of the ‘spread of data’ in fieldwork, assignments and examination questions. It complements the Guide to Descriptive Statistics in Geosciences (https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/guide-to-descriptive-statistics-in-geosciences-11308746).
Guide to Descriptive Statistics in Geosciences
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Guide to Descriptive Statistics in Geosciences

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A resource for pupils studying at Advanced Higher (A2-Level, and above) which details the use of descriptive statistics in the field of geoscience. May be of use to teachers of geography, the sciences or even as an application in a mathematics or statistics course. Of use for helping to achieve problem solving, data handling and numeracy learning outcomes. All content released under a CC BY license. Authors: Kay Douglas and Sophie Flack © University of Edinburgh Keywords: Biology/data and statistics/data handling, Environmental science/data and statistics/data handling, Chemistry/data and statistics/data handling University of Edinburgh, EdUniOERGeo
Meteorological Visibility Observations: A User's Guide
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Meteorological Visibility Observations: A User's Guide

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This Meteorological Observation Guide has been written as part of a NERC (Natural Environment Research Council) Research Experience Placement carried out in the School of GeoSciences, The University of Edinburgh. Aimed at National 5 to Higher. The aim of the research project was to investigate specific aspects of how global climate change affects the climate of Britain. There are two main aims to this project: 1. Conduct visibility observations from Blackford Hill in Edinburgh, observing to see whether in times of anti-cyclonic weather, pollution build up in the atmosphere reduces the observed visibility. 2. Analysis of historical climate models to see how the frequency of anti-cyclones over the UK has changed due to anthropogenic climate change. This guide is part of the former section. The procedure that follows is the procedure used over the period of the project, and the Blackford Hill example used is the actual visibility observation that was conducted. This element of the project is transferable to other locations with a suitable vantage point. The work can be carried out by a class group or as part of a specific scientific project for senior pupils. Author: James Holehouse Unless otherwise stated all content is released under a CC-BY 4.0 license Keywords: Anti-cyclonic weather; Meteorological Visibility Observations; hill; Climate Change; Weather; Climate Cover image is The view over the City of Edinburgh looking towards the north from Blackford Hill by Brian Cameron, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Climate Change Game
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Climate Change Game

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A card game to develop HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) using climate change in the Alps. Learners discuss whether a fictional ski instructor should exchange his skis for bicycle wheels. Included in this guide is ‘Meet the Scientists’, about the real climate scientists. For learners aged 11 to 14. Educational Level 2 - 3 (SOC 2-12a, SOC 2-13a, SOC 2-14a, SCN 2-20b, SCN 2-20a, MLAN 2-09a, LIT 2-02a, LIT 2-08a, LIT 2-09a) This resource includes: A practitioner guide (PDF and Word versions) Details about learning outcomes Instructions on running the activities Items to be printed off or photocopied to play the game A Meet the Scientists section about the real climate scientists who are Richard Fromm, Jack Schaeffer and Viktoria Engel. Map board for playing the game on Presentations Presentation 1: Setting the Scene: an introduction to Germany, its language and Richard’s dilemma. Presentation 2: “Where is that place?” - Map skills Presentation 3: How to play the Board Game Help Richard decide if he should exchange his skis for bicycle wheels. This resource was created as part of the School of GeoScience Outreach. Author: Kay Douglas. Unless otherwise stated, all content is released under a CC BY 4.0 license. Cover image is Aerial tramway La Grave France by NielsB (Wikimedia commons), licensed under CC-BY-SA-3.0.
Volcano, Continents, and Oceans (Interdisciplinary Learning)
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Volcano, Continents, and Oceans (Interdisciplinary Learning)

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Properties and uses of substances, Earth’s Materials, People Place & Environment This mini resource comprises 2 sessions (or one afternoon). Session 1 uses songs to name and locate the continents, oceans and Pacific Ring of Fire. Session 2 involves a reaction of vinegar and bicarbonate of soda to mimic a volcanic eruption. Session 1 is PowerPoint presentation, giving general background on the World Map and names and locations of the continents, oceans and by inference the Pacific Ring of Fire. Despite being ppt based, you can make it interactive and even sing along with the songs. A consolidation worksheet is included to label the world map. Session 2 is a practical activity/demonstration. It involves using the chemical reaction (neutralisation) of bicarbonate of soda and vinegar. These react together to form carbon dioxide (CO2). Carbon dioxide is the fizzy gas in ‘pop’. Adding washing up liquid and tomato ketchup to the mix allows for red CO2 bubbles from the mouth of the small drinks bottle. A copy and complete exercise can be copied from the second half of the PowerPoint. Learning outcomes: Sciences - Biodiversity and interdependence SCN 2-15a: ‘By contributing to investigations into familiar changes in substances to produce other substances, I can describe how their characteristics have changed.’ and the explanatory benchmark, ‘Observes and identifies some of the signs of a chemical reaction, for example, production of bubbles, colour/texture change and heat given out/taken in.’ SCN 2-17a ‘Having explored the substances that make up Earth’s surface, I can compare some of their characteristics and uses‘ Social Studies - People, place, and environment SOC 2-07b: ‘I can describe the physical processes of a natural disaster and discuss its impact on people and the landscape and the explanatory benchmark ‘the explanatory benchmark ‘Describes the causes of a natural disaster such as a volcano, earthquake or extreme weather event’. Author: Kay Douglas of The University of Edinburgh, 2019. Unless otherwise stated, all content is released under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Climate Change – Interdisciplinary STEM Challenge
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Climate Change – Interdisciplinary STEM Challenge

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This interdisciplinary STEM resource on Climate Change has three to four sessions seeking out what practical steps pupils and their family can take to mitigate the effects of climate change. (Involves STEM Challenges.) Activity 1 is a broad introduction to climate change, its causes, effects and solutions at the individual level. Activity 2 discusses the concept of ecological footprint and is based on a practical workshop on upcycling. Activity 3 applies a simplified version of the scientific research method to measure the impact of our actions. Activity 4 is an optional showcase with scientific posters. Educational Information This resource provides material for the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) Experiences and Outcomes in Technology, Numeracy and Mathematics, Literacy and English. An interdisciplinary approach to the concept of Ecological and Carbon Footprint is adopted with the aim of shaping pupils’ sense of responsibility and awareness of the impact of our daily actions on our planet. The resource comprises four activities (including STEM), each lasting within the range of 60-80 minutes. A so-called “Gift to the Earth” challenge requires pupils to record their daily commitment to reducing their carbon footprint and creates the link between each activity. Learning Outcomes covered: Technology Technology TCH 2-06a: I can analyse how lifestyles can impact on the environment and Earth’s resources and can make suggestions about how to live in a more sustainable way. Technology TCH 2-07a: I can make suggestions as to how individuals and organizations may use technologies to support sustainability and reduce the impact on our environment. Technology TCH 2-09a: I can extend and enhance my design skills to solve problems and can construct models. Numeracy and Mathematics Numeracy MNU 2-20b: I have carried out investigations and surveys, devising and using a variety of methods to gather information and have worked with others to collate, organise and communicate the results in an appropriate way. Mathematics MTH 2-21a: I can display data in a clear way using a suitable scale, by choosing appropriately from an extended range of tables, charts, diagrams and graphs, making effective use of technology. Literacy and English Literacy and English LIT 2-09a: When listening and talking with others for different purposes, I can: share information, experiences and opinions; explain processes and ideas; identify issues raised and summarise main points or findings; clarify points by asking questions or by asking others to say more.
Rewilding: Environment, Art, Geography & Community
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Rewilding: Environment, Art, Geography & Community

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Educational level: Second level (SCQF 2-3) (SCN 2-02a, SCN 2-02b, SCN 3-01a, TCH 2-06a, SCN 3-05b, SOC 2-08a, SOC 2-08b, SOC 3-07a, SOC 3-10a, MTH 2-13a, MNU 2-20a) This resource by Nula Langmuir explores the concept of rewilding as a form of environmental conservation through art in an accessible and inquisitive way. It comprises of a set of three lessons, presentations, guides and notes with an optional fourth. The target audience for this resource is learners aged 7-11, involving conservation and the environment. Resource includes slides, lesson plans and notes, worksheets and printable activities. Lesson 1 comprises of a series of activities, including drawing a landscape, word association and key definitions, and food webs. Lesson 2 explores rewilding from Space, and the geography of how landscapes has changed over time. Lesson 3 uses the example of a field trip to Roslin Glen, but the activity can easily be adapted to your local area. The aim is to consider how rewilding may take place on a global and local scale. Lesson 4 is optional, a reflective activity which asks the learners to recall what they have learnt and evaluate it.
Descriptive Statistics: AVERAGES
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Descriptive Statistics: AVERAGES

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A power point resource for teachers of biology, geography and environmental science for pupils studying at Advanced Higher (AS-Level, and above), and early FE/HE levels. Of use for helping to achieve a basic understanding and application of ‘central tendency’ in fieldwork, assignments and examination questions. It complements the Guide to Descriptive Statistics in Geosciences (https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/guide-to-descriptive-statistics-in-geosciences-11308746).
Environmental Sciences: Graphs
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Environmental Sciences: Graphs

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A resource for 1st to 2nd year undergraduate levels which details the use of graphs in the field of environmental science. May be of use to teachers of geography, the sciences or even as an application of mathematics. Of use for helping to achieve problem solving, data handling and scientific investigation learning outcomes. All content released under a CC BY license. Authors: Kay Douglas & Sophie Flack © University of Edinburgh Keywords Science/data handling / graphs Biology/data handling/graphs Environmental science /data handling /graphs OER, EdUniOERGeo
Guide to Inferential Statistics in Geosciences
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Guide to Inferential Statistics in Geosciences

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A resource for pupils studying at Advanced Higher (A Levels) and above, which details the use of inferential statistics in the field of geoscience. May be of use to teachers of geography, the sciences or even as an application in a mathematics or statistics course. Of use for helping to achieve problem solving, data handling and numeracy learning outcomes. All content released under a CC BY license. Authors: Kay Douglas and Sophie Flack © University of Edinburgh Keywords: Biology/data and statistics/data handling, Environmental science/data and statistics/data handling, Chemistry/data and statistics/data handling University of Edinburgh, EdUniOERGeo
Environmental Sciences: Descriptive Statistics
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Environmental Sciences: Descriptive Statistics

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A resource for pupils studying at 1st to 2nd year undergraduate levels which details the use of descriptive statistics in the field of geoscience and ecology. May be of use to teachers of geography, ecology, the sciences or even as an application in a mathematics or statistics course. Of use for helping to achieve problem solving, data handling and numeracy learning outcomes. All content released under a CC BY license. Authors: Kay Douglas and Sophie Flack © University of Edinburgh Keywords: Biology/data and statistics/data handling, Environmental science/data and statistics/data handling, Chemistry/data and statistics/data handling University of Edinburgh, EdUniOERGeo
Environmental Sciences: Scientific Investigation
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Environmental Sciences: Scientific Investigation

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A resource for pupils studying at Aimed at 1st to 2nd year undergraduate levels which details scientific investigation and the methodology used in the field of geoscience and ecology. May be of use to teachers of geography, ecology, and science (particularly biology). Of use for helping to achieve problem solving, data handling and scientific investigation learning outcomes. All content released under a CC BY license. Authors: Kay Douglas & Sophie Flack © University of Edinburgh Keywords: Biology/ Investigation/AH investigation Chemistry/Investigation/AH Investigation Environmental Science/investigation/AH investigation OER, EdUniOERGeo
Guide to Scientific Investigation in Geosciences
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Guide to Scientific Investigation in Geosciences

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A resource for pupils studying at Higher, Advanced Higher (AS-Levels) and above which details scientific investigation and the methodology used in the field of geoscience. May be of use to teachers of geography and science (particularly biology). Of use for helping to achieve problem solving, data handling and scientific investigation learning outcomes. All content released under a CC BY license. Authors: Kay Douglas & Sophie Flack © University of Edinburgh Keywords: Biology/ Investigation/AH investigation Chemistry/Investigation/AH Investigation Environmental Science/investigation/AH investigation OER, EdUniOERGeo
Guide to Drawing and Interpreting Graphs in Geosciences
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Guide to Drawing and Interpreting Graphs in Geosciences

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A resource for pupils studying at SCQF Level 6-7, (Scottish Higher, AS-Level, and above) which details the use of graphs in the field of geoscience. May be of use to teachers of geography, the sciences or even as an application of mathematics. Of use for helping to achieve problem solving, data handling and scientific investigation learning outcomes. All content released under a CC BY license. Authors: Kay Douglas & Sophie Flack © University of Edinburgh Keywords Science/data handling / graphs Biology/data handling/graphs Environmental science /data handling /graphs OER, EdUniOERGeo
Environmental Sciences: Inferential Statistics
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Environmental Sciences: Inferential Statistics

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A resource for pupils studying at 1st to 2nd year undergraduate levels which details the use of inferential statistics in the field of geoscience and ecology. May be of use to teachers of geography, ecology, the sciences or even as an application in a mathematics or statistics course. Of use for helping to achieve problem solving, data handling and numeracy learning outcomes. All content released under a CC BY license. Authors: Kay Douglas and Sophie Flack © University of Edinburgh Keywords: Biology/data and statistics/data handling, Environmental science/data and statistics/data handling, Chemistry/data and statistics/data handling University of Edinburgh, EdUniOERGeo
The Biosphere and the Environment
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The Biosphere and the Environment

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Due to climate change, this layer is changing. The Biosphere 1.1 explores what the Biosphere is made up of, and how it can be studied through technology and satellite imaging. The Biosphere 1.2 explores the effects of climate change, using the case study of forest fires as a naturally occurring yet increasingly extreme event. This looks first at band maths and plant health to establish an understanding of healthy vegetation and how this is then impacted. The impact of forest fires can be viewed through this data set, exploring the use of NDVI indexes and satellite imaging to understand and analyse the extent of the damage. This resource makes accessible complex ideas about the biosphere, and can be flexibly adapted for learners aged 10-14. It is suitable as a standalone resource. The information and activity packs match up with the topics covered in other Satschool modules can also supplement and enhance those materials. Learning outcomes SCN 3-11b: By exploring radiations beyond the visible, I can describe a selected application, discussing the advantages and limitations. SCN 3-15: Having contributed to a variety of practical activities to make and break down compounds, I can describe examples of how the properties of compounds are different from their constituent elements. SCN 3-19a: Through experimentation, I can identify indicators of chemical reactions having occurred. I can describe ways of controlling the rate of reactions and can relate my findings to the world around me. SCN 3-19b: I have helped to design and carry out practical activities to develop my understanding of chemical reactions involving the Earth’s materials. I can explain how we apply knowledge of these reactions in practical ways. SCN 4-05b: Through exploring the carbon cycle, I can describe the processes involved in maintaining the balance of gases in the air, considering causes and implications of changes in the balance. SCN 4-06a: By researching developments used to observe or explore space, I can illustrate how our knowledge of the universe has evolved over time. SCN 4-11b: By carrying out a comparison of the properties of parts of the electromagnetic spectrum beyond the visible, I can explain the use of radiation and discuss how this has impacted upon society and our quality of life. SCN 4-20b: Having selected scientific themes of topical interest, I can critically analyse the issues, and use relevant information to develop an informed argument. SOC 3-08a: I can identify the possible consequences of an environmental issue and make informed suggestions about ways to manage the impact. SOC 3-14a I can use a range of maps and geographical information systems to gather, interpret and present conclusions and can locate a range of features within Scotland, UK, Europe and the wider world. SOC 4-10a: I can develop my understanding of the interaction between humans and the environment by describing and assessing the impact of human activity on an area.