Science / Year 9 / Science as a Human Endeavour / Nature and development of science

• TLF-IDM018729

Radio astronomy is on the verge of developing groundbreaking technology that will allow scientists to see into the furthest reaches of the universe. The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) will be the most powerful radio telescope ever built. See how it has been designed and the developments that have been made so far.

• TLF-IDM017517

Human evolution has produced the most powerful and resourceful species on Earth. What makes us human and what might we be like in the future? Through different types of representation this video traces how scientific and technological developments in the past have influenced what it means to be human now. Will emerging ...

• TLF-IDM016244

This 7 minute video segment from Catalyst describes an excellent example of how biologists have worked to investigate and solve a problem of an invading species of sea urchin that was devastating a marine ecosystem. The scientific approach to develop a biological control needed to rely on technologies such as radio tracking ...

• TLF-IDM016450

This eleven and a half minute video segment from Catalyst is an excellent example of how science research can change our understanding. Some rare people who actually want their limb removed and will go to extraordinary lengths to do so are now regarded as experiencing a neurological phenomenon rather than a psychological disorder.

• TLF-IDM016120

This 12 minute video segment from Catalyst outlines the fascinating and unique features of the giant cuttlefish and its mass breeding at Point Lowly. Then it explains how scientists have determined the vulnerability of this species- the fact that the eggs are sensitive to high levels of salinity and the fact that they die ...

• TLF-IDM015296

This website defines biotechnology and highlights some examples from the broad spectrum constituting biotechnology, describing potential for benefits and harm. It explores both the science and ethical issues.

• TLF-IDM015345

This resource describes research into environmental disease resulting from the heavy metal mercury. It is estimated 60,000 babies are born each year in the United States with mercury-related diseases from the burning of coal in power stations. World wide, this is a significant problem. Mercury also enters the environment ...

• TLF-IDM016597

This 5 minute video segment from Catalyst shows strange sea creatures and bizarre underwater extinct volcanoes that are now conserved in a marine reserve off the south coast of Tasmania. Cameras that withstand depths to 2000 metres have revealed great biodiversity and some unexpected organisms and adaptations.

• TLF-IDM016754

An interview and visit to a hospital room with Professor Annemarie Hennessy, a medical researcher at the University of Western Sydney (UWS). Annemarie talks to a teacher about her work in researching the relationship between the placenta and the mother's blood pressure, and about her career and future directions.

• TLF-IDM019742

This is a unit of work on engineering, the range of possible occupations in engineering and the future and ethics of engineering. The resource includes: An introduction with teacher notes, student tasks, embedded videos and links to additional resources. The resource aims that students learn broadly about engineering and ...