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 begins with an outline of the methods used in Zambia to produce charcoal from skillfully constructed log piles. An extract from the Technology Consulting Centre at Kumasi on charcoal burning follows, as well as a report of charcoal burning in Sri Lanka. A contribution on charcoal burning by a third year pupil of Lubushi Seminary in Zambia is included, together with some experiments on the small-scale preparation of charcoal. Suggested practical work includes collection of volatile vapors and the measurement of temperature porosity of charcoal. (JN)