This resource was created by Leeds Mueums and Galleries | The Discovery Centre

This small resource is part of a series looking at how museum collections can help scientists researching human impacts on the natural enivronment, including pollution, habitat destruction and climate change.  You can find others in the series under the 'Related Stories' button, or at the bottom of this resource.

In the 1940s widespread use of the pesticide DDT had unforseen consequences in the environment. This learning story explains how bioaccumulation and biomagnification works, using DDT and museum collections as a case study.

Curriculum Links

• KS4 Science: Biology (Ecology - waste management, biodiversity, ecosystems, conservation)

Activity Ideas

• Whole class activity: Students take on the roles of insects, bats and peregrine falcons. As they 'prey' on each other (by playing rock, paper, scissors) pollutants move up the food chain, mimicking bioaccumulation and biomagnification, with harmful consequences. Download the instruction sheet here.

• Mini research project: Ask each student to pick a pollutant (this could be something that is affecting the local area) and research:
  • The uses of that pollutant (where does it come from?)
  • How it gets into the environment
  • Which habitats are particularly affected?
  • Which species of plants and/or animals is it especially affecting?
  • What steps (if any) are being taken to reduce the amount of the pollutant in the environment?
  • If levels of the pollutant do not decrease, what are the long-term consequences of this?