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Listed under:  Science  >  Scientific inquiry
Video

Our world: communications in space

This is a NASA 'Our World' video clip focusing on the different ways that astronauts on the International Space Station use technology to communicate with ground staff and others on Earth. The narrators include the puppet Lily and actual astronauts on the space station. Different modes of communication include radio contact, ...

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Environmental and Zoo Education Centres – primary school resources

A collection of digital resources for primary school teachers and students to support teaching and learning from home, with a particular focus on geography, science and history. The resources were developed by Department of Education teachers from 25 Environmental and Zoo Education Centres in NSW and include Google Sites, ...

Video

Collaborating in science

This is a colour video clip in which Professor Keith Hunter, a marine chemist from the University of Otago in New Zealand, relates how he became aware of the need to collaborate with scientists from other fields and to work on interdisciplinary problems in multidisciplinary teams. Sequences showing Professor Hunter discussing ...

Video

BTN: Aboriginal astronomy

Many ancient cultures studied the night sky, and we know this because it is reflected in some of the earliest stories we have on record. Learn about one of these stories in this video. Other than the Dreamtime stories, what other evidence might there be that the Aboriginal people studied the stars?

Video

For the Juniors: Hand-milking cows

Discover how people milked cows before milking machines existed. Do you think you could milk a cow by hand? Watch this short clip to find out how it's done. Look at the special features (parts) of cows that store their milk and release it during milking.

Video

Catalyst: Living in space

Do you know that people have been living and working in space for more than 10 years? The International Space Station (ISS) orbits the Earth more than 300 kilometres above us. Watch this clip to discover what life is like in space and the type of research that is conducted there.

Video

Elliot and the Surfing Scientist: Red cabbage pH experiment

It might sound 'un-sciencey', and have a bad smell, but red cabbage is actually very useful for testing the pH of liquids. Added to well-known liquids like lemonade or vinegar, red cabbage juice changes to 'pretty colours'. In this clip, Surfing Scientist Ruben Meerman explains the colour changes and how red cabbage juice ...

Online

Design dilemma

This series of lessons aims to develop awareness of the needs of diverse commuters on our public transport system. Students investigate the challenges involved in getting on and off public transport for users with additional needs, for example commuters in wheelchairs. They work collaboratively in teams to investigate possible ...

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2024 Dreaming

Explore options for houses, work, food and transport in 2024 in this multimedia presentation from Radio National. A useful resource for stimulating discussion about applications of science and implications for society and the environment as well as current issues and developments in science. Gives examples of how different ...

Online

States of matter: Our warming world

Matter can exist in different states, and behave differently depending on temperature. In this resource, students investigate how heat can affect the motion and arrangement of particles, and how this may impact our world.

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Botany of Kamay

This resource explores the plants of Kamay Botany Bay – their significance to the Aboriginal people of Kamay, and to the botanists on the Endeavour in 1770. This resource is one part of the 'Endeavour – eight days in Kamay' resource.

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Waters of Kamay

This learning sequence explores the salt and fresh waters of Kamay Botany Bay, its importance as a life source and the cultural connection it has to the Aboriginal people living at Kamay. Water is essential for life. It nourishes our bodies, our lands and supports all life on earth. It is home to wondrous and significant ...

Online

Caring for our carbon

Carbon is all around us and available to us in many different forms – as an atmospheric gas, as an energy source, and as a food source. This unit investigates the science of carbon and the issue of climate change as both a scientific concept and a political issue, and, through discussion and debate, support students' to ...

Online

Saving our Soils

This is a unit of work about the characteristics of soil and the important role soil plays in supporting life on Earth. The unit is divided into seven activity sequences that explore the definition of soil; the characteristics of soil types; the effects of soil nutrients on plant growth; and the role of ground cover in ...

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Biosecurity

This is a unit of work about the biosecurity of Australia’s agriculture. The unit focuses on how introduced species can affect the balance of ecosystems. The major activities in this unit focus on the concept of interdependence in ecosystems; the importance of biosecurity and control of outbreaks. A simple experiment models ...

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Makey Makey boards

In this sequence of lessons students explore how electrical energy can be transferred and transformed in electrical circuits, using Makey Makey boards as the basis for experimentation and recoding of data.

Online

How are you feeling? – Early Stage 1

This unit was written for students in Early Stage 1 with autism spectrum disorder and/or moderate intellectual disability (IO/AU). The unit was created, trialled and peer reviewed as part of a professional development program in inquiry-based learning for primary and secondary school teachers. The professional development ...

Online

Forensics: STEM careers

This is a unit of work about forensic science, the occupations that use forensic science and the future and ethics of forensics. The resource includes: An introduction with teacher notes, student tasks, embedded videos and links to additional resources. Specific topics explored include what is forensic science and how ...

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Biofuels

This is a unit of work about ethanol and other biofuels. The unit revises students understanding of the carbon cycle and renewable and non-renewable fuel sources. The inquiry focuses on a series of experiments that examine the effect of temperature on the fermentation of yeast and to determine the flash point of ethanol ...

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Breeding a sustainable future

This is a unit of work that focuses on improvements in livestock and crop production brought about by agricultural practice, scientific research and technology. The unit is organised around six learning experiences that include investigating how agricultural products have developed over time; identifying the role of technology ...