Science / Year 9 / Science Understanding / Biological sciences

• TLF-IDM018781

Have you ever eaten hot chilli and wondered why your mouth feels like it's on fire? Watch this clip to find out all about the science of chillies, including what makes them hot, why they are hot and why they cause so much pain when we eat them.

• TLF-IDM016483

This 5 minute video segment from Catalyst shows how University of Queensland scientists have created a computer program which mimics the way a rat navigates, in the hope of one day giving future robotic vehicles the ability to explore and map their environments by themselves.

• TLF-IDM016322

This 11 minute video segment from Catalyst describes research into the Hendra virus with its high mortality rate and animal vectors.

• TLF-IDM016773

An interview and tour of the Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney and its herbarium with Dr Tim Entwistle, a plant scientist and the NSW Government Botanist. Tim talks to a pre-service teacher from Macquarie University about his love of plants, in particular freshwater algae. In the herbarium we find out why it is so important ...

• TLF-IDM016332

This is a ten question multiple choice quiz that gives students feedback on their understanding of the role of the brain in interpretation of signals and the coordination of behaviour and maintaining humans as functioning organisms. Non-threatening quiz that gives explanations with the feedback.

• TLF-IDM016549

Students use this resource consisting of eleven slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand that immunisations and medicines can be used to help the body fight infections. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

• TLF-IDM016283

Students use this resource consisting of eight slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand how the mucous membrane lining the respiratory system helps to prevent infection. Three of the eight slides deal with the impact of smoking. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

• TLF-IDM016481

This 10 minute video from Catalyst describes some unusual cases of people with incredible memories and brain functioning and gives a useful introduction to learning about the human nervous system and brain. Information about how memory works provides some useful strategies for revising for exams.

• TLF-IDM016143

This seven and a half minute video segment from Catalyst describes CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease) is Australia's most common genetic neurological disorder. Vitamin C, particularly when taken at a young age appears to reverse this effect. A good example of the scientific method.

• TLF-IDM015312

Download the audio or view the transcript of this ABC radio program. It is an excellent example of how approaching a problem from a different perspective and with an open mind may result in an amazing solution. Richard Stubbs, and New Zealand scientist, claims type 2 diabetes is a disease of the gut. If his hypothesis is ...