Science / Year 8 / Science Understanding / Chemical sciences

Curriculum content descriptions

Differences between elements, compounds and mixtures can be described at a particle level (ACSSU152)

Elaborations
  • modelling the arrangement of particles in elements and compounds
  • recognising that elements and simple compounds can be represented by symbols and formulas
  • locating elements on the periodic table
ScOT terms

Mixtures,  Chemical elements,  Chemical compounds,  Molecular structure

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School of rocks: teacher resource

In this structured inquiry unit of work students explore the formation of rocks and minerals. They investigate how the properties of rocks and minerals are related to their use, and how these naturally occurring materials provide valuable resources for human activity. Students also investigate the effects of volcanic activity, ...

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Separation Anxiety

This activity invites students to explore colour chromatography, a technique that uses capillary action to separate different types of ink at different rates. The activity includes a list of tools and materials required, assembly instructions, what to do and notice, an explanation for the underlying science of what students ...

Interactive

Build a Molecule

This interactive simulation challenges students to build molecular structures given a set of atoms. In a series of simulations students build simple molecules from atoms; construct molecules from the chemical formula and experiment with combining atoms to build larger molecules. The resource does not require registration ...

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Gold nugget

This is a gold nugget (approximately 3.4 cm x 2.2 cm), which was probably found in about 1865 on a goldfield in Otago (in the southern South Island of New Zealand).

Audio

Water-powered engine theories need hosing down

This ABC article by Dr Karl addresses the question: will we one day be able to power cars with water? The chemical reactions involved in the formation and decomposition of water are described. Energy transformations are explained. A very useful resource to get students thinking.

Interactive

Predicting earthquakes: are we there yet?

Ask and expert' ABC article exemplifies some creative approaches of scientists to the significant problem of predicting earthquakes. The science behind the various methods is outlined, their successes and failures and problems for possible future developments.

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Trees and chairs as carbon sinks

This ABC is in Q&A format and simply explains the answer to the question 'Could we really plant our way out of climate change?'

Interactive

DIY Lava Lamp

This resource contains lessons plans containing instructions and teachers' notes for an activity based on a chemical reaction that occurs when a soluble aspirin tablet dissolves and the fact that oil and water do not mix are used to create a model of a lava lamp. Students have fun while they learn about density of fluids. ...

Interactive

Murray-Darling Basin Quiz

This is a ten question multiple choice quiz on student understanding of issues specific to the Murray-Darling Basin, but are examples of common Australian environmental problems resulting from human activities. This is a non-threatening activity that provides excellent explanations as feedback.

Interactive

DIY pH Indicator

This resource contains lessons plans containing instructions and teachers 'notes for an activity based on the natural pH indicator present in red cabbage leaves. It can be extracted following these explicit and clear directions included for this activity. This indicator solution changes colour from purple to bright pink ...

Interactive

experiMENTALS: Recycling plastics and glass

This resource contains suggestions for students about the process of using the internet to do research recycling in their local area. Help save the planet and teach your family how to become better at recycling.

Interactive

experiMENTALS: Bubble 07 diversion grenades

This resource contains a materials and instruction list and brief explanation for students about the process of carrying out a chemical reaction between bicarbonate of soda and vinegar.

Interactive

experiMENTALS: ink chromatography

This resource contains a materials and instruction list and brief explanation for students about the process of separating ink mixtures using paper chromatography.

Interactive

Science talk 2007: Adam Cawley

An interview with Adam Cawley, a chemist and scientist from the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, who is an expert in drug testing in sport. Adam talks to a teacher from Killara High School about working as a chemist, and the challenges in drug testing.

Interactive

experiMENTALS: Spooky slime

This resource contains a materials and instruction list and brief explanation for students about the process of making spooky slime with cornflour to produce a substance that is a little like a liquid and a little like a solid.

Interactive

Science Talk 2007: Ruben Meerman

Find out what happens when the ABC's Surfing scientist, Ruben Meerman visits Year 3 at Crown Street Public School with some liquid nitrogen! Ruben shows the Year 3 students what happens to solids and gases when they are cooled and warmed and relates this to real-world phenomena. Ruben also shows the kids some tricks with ...

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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.

Interactive

experiMENTALS: Magic potion

This resource contains a materials and instruction list and brief explanation for students about the process of dropping dry ice into food coloured water. Safety regulations should be checked and followed.

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An exhibition home made of fibrolite, c1930s

This is a black-and-white photograph of the exterior of an exhibition home made of fibrolite (fibro-cement) that was constructed by James Hardie and Co Ltd (now known as James Hardie Industries). The street outside the home is crowded with people, some of whom have come to view the fibrolite home. The photograph measures ...

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Bunyip gold nugget, 1972

This is a gold nugget known as the 'Bunyip nugget'. It weighs 50 ounces (1.55 kg). It was found in the early 1970s by a farmer while ploughing near Bridgewater to the west of Bendigo in Victoria, and was purchased by the National Museum of Victoria (now Museum Victoria) in 1978 for $40,000.