Lithium: a problem or a contribution to reducing climate change?

Portugal has some of the world's most important lithium reserves. Its exploitation in the country has been the target of public opposition. However, is this an informed opposition?

The work presented was developed with 10th year students within the scope of a DAC (Domain of Curricular Autonomy) involving the disciplines of Biology and Geology and Physics and Chemistry A.

Using lithium, its exploitation and applications as a basis, the aim was to work on essential learning in Physics and Chemistry A, studying the characteristics of metals, and in Biology and Geology, studying the impact of lithium exploitation on ecosystems. The applications of lithium were correlated with its potential to mitigate climate change and its effects on biodiversity.

The students carried out a group research project in class, produced a final product in the form of a powerpoint or using another tool of their choice and finally presented their work to the class in a joint lesson between the two subjects.

The assessment of the final product and presentation was carried out using an assessment rubric previously discussed with the students, resulting in a grade on a scale of 0 to 20 for the written communication and another for the oral communication. The grading was agreed between the Physics and Chemistry A and Biology and Geology teachers, and was integrated into the field of science communication in each of the subjects. There was also a formative assessment of the students' performance during the work and feedback was given by the teachers who accompanied the work. The students also carried out a self- and hetero-assessment of their performance.