Science / Year 9 / Science as a Human Endeavour / Use and influence of science

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Curriculum content descriptions

People use scientific knowledge to evaluate whether they accept claims, explanations or predictions, and advances in science can affect people’s lives, including generating new career opportunities (ACSHE160)

Elaborations
  • investigating how technologies using electromagnetic radiation are used in medicine, such as in the detection and treatment of cancer
  • using knowledge of science to test claims made in advertising or expressed in the media
  • investigating the use of nanotechnology in medicine, such as the delivery of pharmaceuticals
  • describing how science is used in the media to explain a natural event or justify actions
  • evaluating claims relating to products such as electrical devices, fuels, indigestion tablets
  • considering the impact of technological advances developed in Australia, such as the cochlear implant and bionic eye
  • considering the impacts of human activity on an ecosystem from a range of different perspectives
  • considering how communication methods are influenced by new mobile technologies that rely on electromagnetic radiation
  • recognising aspects of science, engineering and technology within careers such as medicine, medical technology, telecommunications, biomechanical engineering, pharmacy and physiology
ScOT terms

Evaluation,  Reasoning,  Judgement

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20 direct matches to ACSHE160

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Tectonics investigator

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Investigate the internal structure of the Earth using earthquake measurements. Examine the Earth’s outer layer. Fit the Earth's tectonic plates together like a jigsaw puzzle. Identify how plate movements produce many features of the Earth’s surface. Predict the formation of new volcanic islands. This learning object is ...

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Catalyst: Climate and bushfires in Australia

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What can science tell us about the major cause of bushfires in Australia's past? How can it help us predict future bushfires? Two scientists discuss evidence related to bushfire regimes (bushfire patterns, types and intensity). Please note that this clip contains recent images of homes destroyed by fire that may disturb ...

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Daisies describe an ecosystem

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Ecosystems are affected by many factors including increasing temperatures, which many scientists believe threaten natural systems on Earth today. This creative clip uses a theoretical world of black and white daisies to show how changes to the natural reflectivity of a planet's surface impacts temperatures and populations. ...

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Mercury is released as coal is burnt in power stations

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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 ...

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TEDMED: Are we ready for a Declaration of Food Interdependence?

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This is a video clip of TEDMED speaker Ashley Atkinson describing a community program that promotes growing food together to transform the environment and to address issues of declining access to affordable, fresh produce. The video focuses on how the program, Keep Growing Detroit, provides resources to assist in the establishment ...

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2024 Dreaming

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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 ...

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TEDMED: What is the source of all life?

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This is a video clip of a TEDMED speaker, Howard Shapiro, presenting ideas about improving the nutritional value of plants to address malnutrition and the food requirements of a growing world population. The clip emphasises that poor nutrition has negative health and developmental effects on children, particularly those ...

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Four Corners: Ecological effects of bushfires

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Did you know that Australia is the most flammable continent on Earth? Watch this clip to discover how bushfires impact natural ecosystems, and how the increasing global threat of bushfires may affect Australia. Australian scientists explain the ecological consequences of fire and a US expert describes his concerns for the future.

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How does nanotechnology work?

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What is nanotechnology? Watch as Dr Kay Latham explains why scientists are interested in working at the nanoscale. What have researchers been able to design using their understanding of nanotechnology? And how might nanotechnology be used in the future?

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Online

The Conversation - Understanding immunisation and vaccination

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A series of articles about vaccination and immunisation including: explanations on so-called ‘herd immunity’; myth-busting; the research on the claims made by those who are anti-vaccination; and case studies of immunisation against polio, small pox, HIV, influenza, measles, and others. Each article is about 600-800 words.The ...

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Species on the move

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This ABC In Depth feature article presents arguments about moving vulnerable species to cooler climates in advance of climate change is a controversial strategy, and whether it could be the best way of ensuring their survival.

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Catalyst: Megafauna fossils

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Travel back in time in outback Australia and investigate the giant lumbering beasts of the past - the megafauna. Visit a fossil site in Cuddie Springs, New South Wales, where megafauna bones have been discovered. Explore the connection between Aboriginal peoples and megafauna, and theories for the extinction of Australia's ...

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3D Printing: STEM careers

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This is a unit of work about 3D printing, the occupations that use 3D printing and the future of this technology. The resource includes: An introduction with teacher notes, student tasks, embedded videos and links to additional resources. Specific topics explored include: what is 3D printing; applications of 3D printing; ...

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Biodiversity and farming for a healthy planet

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This is a digital resource containing information and resources, such as printable games, that relate to biodiversity and farming, and how food and materials can be produced while protecting the Earth's natural resources. It includes an extensive glossary of important terms, and external links to teacher and student resources ...

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Predicting earthquakes: are we there yet?

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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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Marijuana Madness

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This eleven minute video segment from Catalyst provides a thorough analysis of recent research that demonstrates the relationship between marijuana and psychosis and how marijuana actually affects the brain.

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Pipe dreams

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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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Channel country

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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 ...

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Science Talk 2007: Richard Wiseman

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An interview with Professor Richard Wiseman, magician and psychologist at the University of Hertfordshire in the UK. Richard talks to a teacher from Strathfield Girls High School about the connection between psychology and magic, and his work as a psychologist investigating quirkology, the science of everyday life.

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Rainforest fruit power

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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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