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Science / Year 10 / Science as a Human Endeavour / Use and influence of science

Curriculum content descriptions

Values and needs of contemporary society can influence the focus of scientific research (ACSHE230)

Elaborations
  • investigating technologies associated with the reduction of carbon pollution, such as carbon capture
  • considering innovative energy transfer devices, including those used in transport and communication
  • investigating the use and control of CFCs based on scientific studies of atmospheric ozone
  • recognising that financial backing from governments or commercial organisations is required for scientific developments and that this can determine what research is carried out
  • considering the use of genetic testing for decisions such as genetic counselling, embryo selection, identification of carriers of genetic mutations and the use of this information for personal use or by organisation such as insurance companies or medical facilities
General capabilities
  • Ethical understanding Ethical understanding
ScOT terms

Values (Psychology)

Video

Engineering clean rivers

Figuring out how to clean up contaminated rivers is a big challenge. It's also tricky to work out where the most contaminated parts of a river system are and whether its fish are safe to eat. Watch this video and learn how engineering has helped to solve these problems. Why do you think engineers looked to the bottom of ...

Interactive

Thermal comfort – sustainability action process (Years 7–10)

This thermal comfort learning resource will guide students through an extended school based investigation. Students will develop and implement a chosen sustainability action and then evaluate and reflect on their success and their learning.

Audio

Conserving seeds of agricultural crops

This radio interview discusses how Global Crop Diversity Trust is trying to conserve the biodiversity of the world's agricultural crops. A network of seed banks is being developed, together with a backup in a mountain in Norway. Just 10 or 12 crops dominate human nutrition. And there's turnover in varieties as crops are ...

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Pipe dreams

This ABC In Depth feature article is a case study shows how the impacts of human activities including irrigation on the environment and agriculture cannot always be predicted. The Ord River has long been touted as a possible northern food bowl. But nearly four decades after the irrigation scheme was created, why has it ...

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Researchers find grain's memory gene

This brief ABC News in Science article from 2009 gives an excellent example of responses of plants to temperature change and current Australian science. Plants use a genetic memory to recognise when it is spring and can even count the number of cold days.

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Treetop kangaroos

This ABC In Depth feature article includes everything you wanted or needed to know about tree kangaroos. This article describes their reproduction, classification, adaptations and issues relating to their conservation.

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The price of peak fuel

This ABC In Depth feature article discusses the projections of how long will our energy resources will last given that our need for fossil fuels is insatiable, but coal, oil, gas and uranium reserves are finite and some may even be in decline. This article is comprehensive, but it is dated at 2008.

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Food bowl or dustbowl?

This ABC In Depth feature article deals with the complex political, economic, scientific and legal issues associated with the management of the Murray-Darling Basin. This resource deals with important issues but is dated to 2008.

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Rainforest fruit power

This ABC In Depth feature article discusses human potential use rainforest fruit-bearing plants and the need to maintain biodiversity. Many biotic interactions that effect reproduction and dispersal are described. Issues about using seed banks to try to maintain biodiversity are discussed.

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Low-carb cars

This ABC In Depth feature article explores the electric car as an alternative to petrol and diesel vehicles, with a brief reference to hydrogen powered cars. This article is comprehensive, but it is dated at 2008.

Audio

Chemicals on the Great Barrier Reef

This program deals with a range of human impacts on the Great Barrier Reef. Herbicides from land runoff have been traced to algae and sea grasses in river mouths and coastal zones along the Great Barrier Reef. Effects include retardation of photosynthesis and growth of corals. Other pressures on the reef include high water ...

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Channel country

This ABC In Depth feature article is a case study provides a useful contrast to the irrigation developed in the Ord River. Over ten years ago Cooper Creek escaped large-scale irrigation when scientists and graziers banded together to protest the plan. But has time and more research borne out that decision? This resource ...

Video

BTN: Curbing the carp population

Find out why European carp fish are called 'river rabbits' in Australia. Listen to how they came to Australia and what makes them such a pest now.Discover how a local entrepreneur is exploiting the new resource while scientists are doing their best to cap the carp population explosion.

Video

Four Corners: Fire management strategies

What role do fire-behaviour specialists and ecologists have in fire management? Watch this clip to find out about issues relating to fire management in Australia, in particular prescribed burning.

Interactive

Syllabus Bites: Traditional knowledge and sustainable ecosystems

This resource supports students to assess how the knowledge and cultural practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is being used to conserve and manage sustainable ecosystems and a sustainable future. Numerous short videos and links provide a rich variety of case studies. A task, including marking guidelines ...

Video

Four Corners: Increasing threat of megafires

Many scientists believe we are already experiencing megafires and that they will continue to increase in the future. In this clip you will hear from Australian scientists at the forefront of fire research. Discover what they have to say about the causes, projections, and consequences of an increased megafire threat.

Video

Climate change and the rising sea level

What is the correlation between global warming and the rising sea level? This animation explains the link between the two and the consequences of a continual sea level rise. How are some communities combating this problem? Can you think of some other ways we could address this problem?

Video

What Greenland's ice tells us about climate change

Why is it so important to keep our eyes on Greenland's ice and what does it have to do with climate change science? Watch this short animation from NASA to find out!

Video

NASA celebrates Aura's ten-year orbit!

Aura is a NASA satellite that in 2014 celebrated ten years orbiting Earth, collecting data about the planet's atmosphere and climate. Aura is helping scientists better understand global systems, including the composition of gases in the ozone layer, air pollution and climate change. Watch to learn more about this space ...

Video

Catalyst: Geoengineering - a solution to climate change?

What is geoengineering, and how is it being investigated by scientists as a means of combating climate change? Learn about some climate control techniques that could slow down or even reverse the effects of global warming. Hear an atmospheric physicist explain the pros and cons of geoengineering techniques.