Join Miss Molecule as she rides the waves of science!
This episode dives into the exciting world of lithium (the metal of the future) to power a greener tomorrow. We meet the electrifying Lithium, explore Cornish sustainable extraction methods, and discover how this versatile element can revolutionise energy sources. Packed with animation, interviews, and witty characters, it's an engaging and informative watch for anyone curious about science and our planet's future. So grab your popcorn and get ready to be energised!
Miss Molecule & Friends – episode 1 ‘Lithium’ lesson plan & resources
Almost every bit of modern life relies on minerals and metals that have often been sourced hundreds of miles away from mines in countries such as Australia, China and Chile.
Have you ever thought about the metals that are used in your computer or mobile phone and where they come from?
One mineral that has become a crucial component in the technology we use every day is Lithium. It is a vital resource found in many technologies, such as mobile phones, but more recently, it has become the focus of powering our vehicles and storing our energy.
As the UK transitions to a Net Zero economy by 2050, we must change the way we source critical minerals such as Lithium by creating a domestic supply that is far more sustainable and creates local jobs.
In this lesson, you will teach your students about the mineral ‘Lithium’. You will find out its uses, where it comes from, how it was discovered and hear from some innovative companies in the UK who are pioneering sustainable extraction methods to create a domestic supply of Lithium in the UK.
Lesson Objectives
The lesson will enable students to:
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Identify what Lithium is, where it comes from, and its uses.
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Gain knowledge of sustainable mineral extraction and its importance in helping combat climate change
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How Lithium is being extracted in the UK by companies such as Cornish Lithium
Suggested Age
Upper Key Stage 2, Lower Key Stage 3 (9-13 years old)
Timings
45 minutes without the experiments and 90 minutes with the experiments.
Curriculum links
Science (Materials – Rocks, properties and shapes), Geography and History
Nina Hills (Lithium)
Actor, director
Nina is the voice of Lithium. She graduated from the University of St Mark and St John with a degree in drama in 2013. Since then, she has worked with Bish, Bash, Bosh, and Little Trebiggan Productions, Play it Again Theatre Company, Cube Essential, The Story Republic, Coppice Theatre, and Mazed Tales as a performer. She has directed Konnichiwa Kernow for Play it Again theatre, BFG (in lockdown 2020!!), and Elf the Musical for Sterts. She has written and produced shows for Little Trebiggan and has written and is currently touring a one-woman show about perimenopause.
Dean Moore (sound recording)
Sound Engineer / Actor
In 2020, Dean set up Pipewell Studios to serve the recording needs of local musicians in the Southeast East Cornwall area. Since then, he's moved to South East London and continues recording, mixing, and producing sound for many clients. Dean is also an actor and has appeared in shows such as Doc Martin and is about to star in Jerusalem at the South London Theatre.
Lucy Crane (special guest)
Cornish Lithium - ESG & Sustainability Manager
Lucy is the ESG & Sustainability Manager for Cornish Lithium, a company exploring lithium in Cornwall, UK. She is a geologist by training with a background in grassroots exploration. She is a strong advocate for the standardisation of sustainable and responsible practices in mining, promoting these actions to the wider public, and is passionate about making the industry a more diverse workplace. She has been on the Young Mining Professionals London committee since its inception and is heavily involved in Women in Mining UK. Her 2019 TEDx talk on ‘Mining our way to a low carbon future’ was well received.
Zoe Richardson (special guest)
Cornish Lithium - Stakeholder Engagement Co-ordinator
Zoe works on outreach and engagement at Cornish Lithium, and is especially interested in engaging the younger generations with the environment in Cornwall and the range of career opportunities this can lead to. Having grown up in Cornwall and working in an industry that embraces the natural resources found in the area, she is keen to encourage more school children to explore how their relationship with the environment around them can help develop skills for a career. Zoe has a background studying geography and international development, and has worked overseas before joining Cornish Lithium, who are exploring environmentally responsible ways to extract and develop lithium in Cornwall.