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Educating for Sustainability
CURRICULUM LIBRARY
Part of a series of lessons in a unit called Wastewater Context for Matter and its interactions. Designed for middle school physical science, students will understand the how solubility plays a role in the problems F.O.G. (Fats, Oils and Grease) causes in the wastewater system and what to do about it

Lesson Specs
Suitable for Grades
Grades
Satisfies Academic Standards:
Standards
Sustainable System Focus:
Systems
Academic Subjects
Subjects
Submitted by:
Jeffrey Burgard
Last Updated:
June 12, 2020 at 7:15:22 PM
Content Connection
Scientific Principle(s)
- Solubility is a characteristic property. Whether a solute will dissolve, or how much will dissolve in a particular solvent is characteristic of the solute.
Application
- When fats oils and greases are put down the drain, they can cause serious clogging and cleaning issues
Community Relevance
- King County and homeowners spend a lot of money a year unclogging fat clogged pipes. Simply changing behaviors can save that money
Lesson Plan
Materials
- Teacher
- Powerpoint - The FOG problem
- “Fatberg”Article:https://www.malaymail.com/news/life/2017/09/13/130-tonne-monster-fatberg-clogs-london-sewer/1463809#kceegR65lL6OxCBX.97
Student
- Notebooks
Time needed: 1 class period
- Download and share the powerpoint slides with students
- Follow the directions in the notes sections for each slide for what to say
- Provide a copy of the “Fatberg” Article to each student, have them read it and respond with the following three questions:
- What surprised you in the article?
- What did the author assume you knew?
- What does this make you curious about?
End the class with a discussion around those questions
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