Distillation. Third World Science.

This unit, developed by the Third World Science Project, is designed to add a multicultural element to existing science syllabi (for students aged 11-16) in the United Kingdom. The project seeks to develop an appreciation of the: boundless fascination of the natural world; knowledge, skills, and expertise possessed by men/women everywhere; application of knowledge and skills to solve the practical problems of everyday life; impact of modern technology in the world; and the influence of the cultural background on the perception of knowledge, problems, and solutions. The unit consists of nine sections, beginning with an account of the local distillation of beer in Uganda using a homemade still. The measurement of specific gravity comes next, including class activities on making a simple hydrometer. The fractional distillation analysis of "enguli" (Ugandan fermented beverage) follows, with activities on using small experimental quantities. The next section, dealing with "alcohol power," is an account of how Brazil has made a national commitment to replace gasoline consumption with alcohol from sugar cane and cassave. The unit concludes with a discussion of how a Tanzanian student's interest in the alcoholic beverage (ulanzi) was developed into a useful science project. (JN)