Science / Year 8 / Science Understanding / Chemical sciences

Curriculum content descriptions

Properties of the different states of matter can be explained in terms of the motion and arrangement of particles (ACSSU151)

Elaborations
  • explaining why a model for the structure of matter is needed
  • modelling the arrangement of particles in solids, liquids and gases
  • using the particle model to explain observed phenomena linking the energy of particles to temperature changes
ScOT terms

States of matter,  Properties of matter,  Molecular motion

Interactive

Melting and Boiling Point

Students use this resource consisting of eight slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand what happens, in terms of energy and particle movement, when a substance changes state from solid to liquid to gas. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

Interactive

The Particle Theory

Students use this resource consisting of four slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand the different behaviour of particles in matter in solid, liquid and gaseous states. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

Interactive

Laptop Wrap: Particle model

A webpage with a focus on investigating the particle model of matter with supporting activities and links to resources.

Interactive

experiMENTALS: Magic rocking candle

This resource contains a materials and instruction list and brief explanation for students about the process of burning both ends of a balancing candle. This activity is most likely to be done as a teacher demonstration for safety and classroom management reasons, particularly at primary school level.

Interactive

Cool colour

This is a lesson plan, complete with instructions, materials list, worksheets and photographs of the expected results from the ABC's surfing scientist. The students are encouraged to participate in a first-hand science activity using sugar and colour-coated chocolate lollies.

Interactive

experiMENTALS: Relightable candle

This resource contains a materials and instruction list and brief explanation for students about the process of relighting a candle. This activity is most likely to be done as a teacher demonstration for safety and classroom management reasons, particularly at primary school level. Do this experiment to learn how a candle ...

Interactive

Types of matter: solids, liquids and gases

Select samples from an outdoor setting. Magnify the substances to atomic level so that the particles they consist of can be seen. Sort the substances into groups based on how the particles are arranged and how they move. Classify the substances as solids, liquids or gases. For example, classify argon as a gas and ice as ...

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.

Interactive

Wing loading

Wing loading is a measurement that relates the mass of an aircraft or bird to the total wing area. This resource provides an interactive for students to compare flight capabilities of planes with birds, matching those that are the most similar.

Interactive

Oresome world

This interactive resource takes students on a journey of discovery in the energy and mining world. Oresome world contains five games or modules: Coal, Energy, Gas, Low emissions and Mining, and within each of these there are several facilities to explore, such as the Underground mining site, Hydroelectric power station, ...

Interactive

2024 Dreaming

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 ...

Interactive

Kamay – looking up

This resource explores the navigation techniques used during the journey of the Endeavour and contrasts these with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander navigational and astronomical systems that have been in place for many thousands of years. This learning sequence contains activities suitable for Year 7 - Year 10 science ...

Interactive

Let's make slime!

This resource explains how to make slime using cornflour to produce something called a non-Newtonian fluid. A non-Newtonian fluid is a substance which has properties of a liquid and a solid. This means it can flow like a liquid, but also can have a set shape. It all depends on the amount of force you apply to it. In this ...

Interactive

Energy chains: make electricity

Build up to six energy chains that make electricity. Select from different energy sources and choose energy converters to match. Examine the type of energy change that happens in each converter. Arrange the converters into the correct chain so that the energy can be delivered as electricity. For example, construct a chain ...

Interactive

Projectile motion

This is an interactive resource about projectile motion. Students use a simulation of a cannon to fire various objects. They can set the firing angle, initial speed, height and mass, with or without air resistance. Students are encouraged to make a game out of this simulation by trying to hit a target. This interactive ...

Interactive

Natural selection

This is an interactive resource in which students explore natural selection by controlling an environment and causing mutations in rabbits. Students can select vary environments, selection pressures, mutations and associated genetics, and then observe the populations change. This interactive resource is supported by tips ...

Interactive

Energy skate park

This is an interactive resource about the potential and kinetic energy changes as a skater rolls around a skate park. Students learn about conservation of energy with a skater, they can build tracks, ramps and jumps for the skater and view the kinetic energy, potential energy and friction as he moves. Students can also ...

Interactive

Energy skate park: basics

This is an interactive teaching and learning resource that years 7 to 10 secondary school students can use to simulate the motion of a skateboarder descending and ascending on a variety of tracks. Height, speed and energy conservation are visually displayed. The skater's mass and starting height, as well as the drag he ...

Interactive

Plant Organs

Students use this introductory resource consisting of two slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand the names and functions of some plant organs. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

Interactive

Fermentation

This resource consists of 2 sets of automated illustrated slides with voice over presenting information about fermentation and useful microorganisms. It includes the use of terms such as enzymes and anaerobic respiration.