Science / Year 8 / Science as a Human Endeavour / Use and influence of science

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Do all scientists wear white lab coats and work with chemicals? Watch this clip and discover how a career in science can take you soaring to dizzying heights. Find out what an exploration geologist does and why helicopters are used in the job. This clip will inspire you to consider a career in one of the many varied fields ...

• TLF-IDM020430

Do you know what you want to be when you grow up? Debora Fairbrother, a NASA engineer, didn't know what career path she was on. Watch this clip as she talks about the importance of education and of following your passion.

• TLF-IDM025383

Find out how carbon dioxide makes the Earth warmer, how oceans store heat and the way we can see climate history in ice. What are the consequences of changes in the global climate? What can we do as individuals and communities to stop these negative changes?

• TLF-IDM025359

Check out how we make electricity, the different renewable energy sources we have developed and how batteries work. Then, find out about hydro-electricity and why Australia could one day be the world’s biggest exporter of renewable energy. Lastly, discover virtual power plants. Why is it important to focus on renewable ...

• TLF-IDM017103

This is a website about the key issues related to global food insecurity. It contains sections on the scarcity of primary resources; land degradation; land scarcity; waste; climate change; consequences of inaction; and proposed solutions. Photographs, statistics, graphs, maps and figures support the information. This resource ...

• TLF-IDM017163

This is a video about the importance of cassava for food security in Africa and how the Regional Cassava Initiative supported small-scale farmers whose crops were affected by viral diseases. Plant virologist James Legg explains the extent of the problem and how the viruses are transmitted, and Burundi farmer Aoron Sebomana ...

• TLF-IDM011996

This is a NASA 'Our World' video clip focusing on how Moon rocks brought back to Earth by astronauts have helped scientists understand more about how the main rock types of the moon differ from those on Earth. The human narrator is accompanied by a cartoon character, and rocks dressed as puppets. The role of the rock cycle ...

• TLF-IDM016438

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 ...

• TLF-IDM016068

This is a multilayered web page produced by the National Farmers' Federation, which includes links to a 34-page pdf and a Prezi providing a summary of agricultural production in Australia in 2012. These include information about Australian farmers and farms, as well as an overview of farming sectors such as wool, cotton, ...

• TLF-IDM016232

This nearly 13 minute video segment from Catalyst explains how Fisheries scientists warn that if fishing around the world continues at its current pace, more and more species will vanish. The coral triangle is one particular area where biodiversity is at risk, and the top predator appears to be humans.

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Students use this resource consisting of eight slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand what is a community and how different organisms within a community depend on each other for their survival. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

• TLF-IDM016162

Students learn about the application of light refraction by completing a series of tasks based on light refraction using both concave and convex lenses.

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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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Students use this resource consisting of ten slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand that the properties of some metals relate to how they are used. It also explains why alloys have been produced and how they are used. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

• TLF-IDM016644

This six and a half minute video segment from Catalyst shows one of the most beautiful and bizarre creatures under the sea, the seahorse. Their highly unusual reproduction has not been sufficient to overcome the impacts of habitat destruction and human predation.

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Students use this resource consisting of eight slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand how to measure the rate of photosynthesis and understand what factors affect it. A detailed method is suggested for measuring the effect of varying levels of light. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

• TLF-IDM016391

This 7 minute video segment from Catalyst describes the risk factors that impact on turtle survival. Protecting the future of turtle populations on the Queensland coast has been the life's work of Col Limpus for the past 40 years. His efforts have included research and reducing predation from foxes and entrapment in trawler nets.

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Students use this resource consisting of seven slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand how the movement of planets around the sun is related to gravitational forces. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

• TLF-IDM016578

This ABC In Depth feature article describes research on Australian white ibis - or 'tip turkeys' as many call them. They are regarded as a nuisance in cities, especially in the spring breeding season. But scientists fear they may become extinct as more pressure is put on the wetlands that are their native and adopted environments. ...

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This page links to a range of materials from the Australian Museums' Bugwise program, with additional materials and activities, including a resource about invertebrates in freshwater.

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This ABC In Depth feature article describes how kookaburra chicks fight for survival in the family nest in springtime.

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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.

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This resource is in the style of an 'authentic' scientific investigation. The investigation is set in a crime lab where finding the densities of the various items can solve the crime. The tool enables students to explore mass and volume for a variety of solids and liquids and hence determine their densities.

• TLF-IDM016389

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 ...

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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.

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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.

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This resource contains ten IWB flipcharts as well as Flash alternative exercises and models how to plan a scientific investigation, choose the right equipment and follow safe working practices.

• TLF-IDM015290

This resource is designed to support science teachers in addressing concepts in electricity in the BOS NSW Syllabus for the Australian Curriculum in Science - Stage 3. Making decisions about the use of electricity is approached from an understanding of circuits, sources and sustainability.

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

• TLF-IDM012545

This is an online resource about current earthquake activity in Australia and the wider region. The resource provides a map and a satellite image of near real-time earthquake activity in the last seven days. Links on the map provide further details and information about individual earthquake events. The resource also contains ...

• TLF-IDM012702

This resource is a joint Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and Geoscience Australia media guide PDF designed to assist the media to communicate tsunami warnings to the Australian public. The resource explains the role of the Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre (JATWC) operated by Geoscience Australia and the Bureau. The resource ...

• TLF-IDM012556

This is an online resource about where volcanoes occur, part of a larger resource about volcanoes. It provides: important information about the occurrence of volcanoes close to the Earth's tectonic plate boundaries; a map showing the Earth's tectonic plate boundaries; and, near the bottom of the screen, a link to a map ...

• TLF-IDM016243

This resource contains a materials and instruction list and brief explanation for students about the process of creating a propeller using two bendy straws and a pair of scissors. A simple demonstration of one of Newton's Laws.

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Students use this resource consisting of three slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand how to draw simple circuits and the symbols used to represent them. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

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Students use this resource consisting of four slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand the type of observations and measurements that need to be made when studying an ecosystem. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

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Students use this resource consisting of six slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand that organisms will compete with each other if resources are limited. Examples cited are cane toads and green tree frogs, conifers preventing undergrowth and the adaptations of some plants such as vines in ...

• TLF-IDM016722

Students use this resource consisting of four slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand that gravity is a force of attraction which acts on Earth towards the centre of the planet, and that the size of the force of gravity depends on the mass of each object and the distance between them. There ...

• TLF-IDM016632

This 5 minute video segment from Catalyst describes how a school student conducted his own scientific investigation. Daniel O'Doherty was intrigued to find out what was the carbon impact of travel to and from school each day, and what could be done to reduce this impact. His project won the 2008 Action Against Climate Change ...

• TLF-IDM016284

Students use this resource consisting of seven slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand how to test a leaf for starch and how this relates to the occurrence of photosynthesis in the leaf. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

• TLF-IDM016612

Students use this resource consisting of one page with a diagram of a lever whose length can be varied. A weight is then applied to the lever and students can see whether the force was sufficient to lift a crate. This demonstrates that forces can cause a lever to turn about a pivot and that the turning effect of a lever ...

• TLF-IDM012700

This resource is a Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) web page that provides warnings to the Australian community of tsunami threats to Australia's coastline and offshore territories. These warnings are issued by the Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre (JATWC) operated by Geoscience Australia and the Bureau. The resource shows ...

• TLF-IDM012513

This PDF unit of work is one of a series of resources accessible by searching the list in the series.It includes two teaching and learning sequences: 'Water journeys' focuses on the water cycle, and 'Pure water' focuses on the processes and people involved in creating and managing drinkable water. It provides Australian ...

• TLF-IDM016058

This resource is a web page providing information about commercial chicken meat farming in Australia. It explains that meat chickens are not raised in cages but are kept in large barns, and provides a link to further information on the different farming systems used in growing meat chickens. The resource features a film ...

• TLF-IDM016426

Students use this resource consisting of seven slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand the principle of moments and its application to situations involving one pivot. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

• TLF-IDM013817

This is a rich, multilayered resource about 35 protected Bush Heritage reserves throughout Australia. The resource includes a map of Australia that displays the locations of the 35 reserves. Each location is linked to important information and images including: quick facts; visiting information; the animals, plants and ...

• TLF-IDM016651

This resource contains a materials and instruction list and brief explanation for students about the process of levitating a balloon.

• TLF-IDM016729

An interactive quiz game that engages students to learn about sun safety. Students can use this resource to also access information about the scientific method of investigation and information about electromagnetic radiation, skin and cancer. This resource also allows students to develop their information processing skills ...

• TLF-IDM020570

How many different paper plane designs are there? Lots! Watch as Dylan Parker, paper plane expert, demonstrates some of his favourites. Notice the way the different shapes and features of the planes cause them to move through the air in different ways. Which one do you like the most? Why not have a go at making something similar?

• TLF-IDM025724

A collection of geography and science resources for high school teachers and students to support teaching and learning from home. The resources were developed by Department of Education teachers from 25 Environmental and Zoo Education Centres in NSW and include Google Sites, programs and activities.

• TLF-IDM020648

In recent years, new technologies have helped us respond to natural disasters more quickly by providing up-to-date information as it becomes available. What if we could take this one step further with new technologies that can also predict disasters? Learn how Spark, which uses our existing knowledge of bushfire behaviours ...

• TLF-IDM021343

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.

• TLF-IDL5774

Control the motion of the Earth in its orbit around the Sun. Work out how the Earth’s orbit and the tilt of its axis determine seasons in the different hemispheres. Work out how the Earth’s orbit and the tilt of its axis determine day length in the different hemispheres. Examine the heating effect of the Sun. Compare seasons ...

• TLF-IDL2562

See how scientists such as Ernest Rutherford have investigated the structure of atoms. Explore possible models. Fire charged particles at atoms and find which model best fits the results. This learning object is one in a series of six objects. Three of the objects are also packaged as a combined learning object.

• TLF-IDL2354

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 ...

• TLF-IDL477

Investigate the role of friction in performance of bicycle tyres. Test how the type of tread affects grip and speed. Choose tyres best suited to track and weather conditions in a time trial. This learning object is one in a series of four objects.

• TLF-IDR9656

This 1940 black-and-white photograph shows a young boy, not entirely at ease, being vaccinated against diphtheria at East Brisbane State School by the City Medical Officer of Health, Dr R Weaver. A woman dressed in white stands behind the boy and steadies his outstretched left arm for the injection. Medical implements and ...

• TLF-IDL5821

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 ...

• TLF-IDL52

Investigate braking efficiency of cars and trucks by testing stopping distances under controlled conditions. Test effects of vehicle type, tyres, road surface and weather conditions. Choose driving speed, then apply brakes and compare stopping distances. Estimate distances from target markers. Answer questions about antilock ...

• TLF-IDR3048

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 ...

• TLF-IDL696

Watch an animation of the Earth rotating in space showing day and night, the equinox where locations on Earth experience close to equal hours of daytime and night-time (12 hours) and views of the Earth from above the North and South Poles. Turn an animated model of the Earth to explore how rotation is related to night and ...

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This is a colour photograph of a preserved Leadbeater's possum ('Gymnobelideus leadbeateri'). It is a museum specimen. The long bushy tail, large eyes and ears are displayed in the image.

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This is an edited sound recording of Australian medical scientist Ian Frazer outlining some of the joys and frustrations of a career as a medical researcher. One advantage, he says, is that researchers know that many people may benefit from the work they themselves are enjoying, but he warns against a career as a research ...

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This is an edited sound recording of Sir Gustav Nossal describing the medical research for which he became internationally known. He outlines his contributions to the emerging science of immunology in the 1950s-70s, and how other researchers have been able to make further discoveries based on his initial work. The recording ...

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This is a colour photograph of a graptolite fossilised in rock. This species is 'Clonograptus persistens'.

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This is an edited sound recording of Australian astronaut Andy Thomas, discussing what he regards as a lack of Australian investment in a space program. Thomas outlines why he believes a country such as Australia needs a space program as a part of its 'basic infrastructure'. The recording was made in August 2008.

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This is a colour photograph of a 'Zygomaturus tasmanicus' fossil skeleton. The skeleton is a museum specimen and has been braced with metal rods. It is displayed in a standing posture.

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This is a colour photograph of graptolites fossilised in rock. These are specimens of 'Pendeograptus fruticosus'. The figures visible on the rock are cataloguing numbers.

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This is a colour photograph of a fossil bone set against a black background. This bone is an opalised fossil of a femur, or thigh bone, of a hypsilophodont dinosaur. The blue colouration of this opalised fossil bone is clearly visible.

• TLF-IDM020816

This is a unit of work that focuses on improvements in livestock and crop production brought about by agricultural practice, scientific research and technology. The unit is organised around six learning experiences that include investigating how agricultural products have developed over time; identifying the role of technology ...

• TLF-IDM018941

This is a unit of work about the Australian fish, seafood and meat industries. It has a particular focus on farming practices, processing methods and how food is brought to customers. The resource explores: where meat, seafood and fish come from; past, present and future farming and production systems; and a range of related ...

• TLF-IDM020800

This is a unit of work about water management in Australian agriculture. It focuses on the design and role of automated irrigation systems, what they consist of, and the savings in water use and increases in productivity they can deliver. The unit has five main topics: the Murray-Darling Basin; types of watering and irrigation ...

• TLF-IDM021514

This resource contains a series of articles about organ donation, including ethical consideration of the role of family; research methods available to increase donor rates; and examples from other countries (e.g. Spain) that have high organ donation rates. It can be used to consider a wide range of issues, evidence, and ...

• TLF-IDM019899

This is a unit of work about the work of scientists and science careers; particularly what common stereotypes, prejudices and perceptions exist regarding who can or should become scientists. The resource includes: An introduction with teacher notes, student tasks, embedded videos and links to additional resources. Specific ...

• TLF-IDM019978

This is a unit of work about forensic science, the occupations that use forensic science and the future and ethics of forensics. The resource includes: An introduction with teacher notes, student tasks, embedded videos and links to additional resources. Specific topics explored include what is forensic science and how ...

• TLF-IDM019742

This is a unit of work on engineering, the range of possible occupations in engineering and the future and ethics of engineering. The resource includes: An introduction with teacher notes, student tasks, embedded videos and links to additional resources. The resource aims that students learn broadly about engineering and ...

• TLF-IDM019338

The tsunami lesson plan provides teachers and students, especially in remote coastal areas, with an opportunity to investigate how tsunami happen and how to stay safe if a tsunami occurs. The downloadable PDF includes lesson plans. student assignments based on case studies, as well as background information on tsunamis, ...

• TLF-IDM021408

In this practical activity, students design and build a balloon-powered car and race it to better understand the ideas related to rocket propulsion. The resource includes a step-by-step teacher guide and student worksheets.

• TLF-IDM021302

The Earth intercepts a lot of solar power: 173,000 terawatts. That’s 10,000 times more power than the planet’s population uses. So is it possible that one day the world could be completely reliant on solar energy? Richard Komp examines how solar panels convert solar energy to electrical energy. This TedEd animation (4:58 ...

• TLF-IDM017159

This is a video of a TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) talk by Professor Marla Spivak about the dramatic decline in the number of bees. The 16-minute video begins with a discussion of why humans should care about bees, including their critical importance for the world's food supply. Professor Spivak explains that ...

• TLF-IDM008764

This is a colour photograph of a scientist in a laboratory using a laptop computer to download data from electronic animal tags. To the right of the computer is a specialised communication box into which the electronic tag is placed. The scientist in the image is Dr Miles Lamare, a marine biologist involved in sea star ...

• TLF-IDM013655

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, ...

• TLF-IDM008844

This fact sheet describes oxyfuel combustion, the technology that burns fuel in almost pure oxygen. Because this makes it easier to capture carbon dioxide from flue gas, there is the potential to achieve near-zero carbon dioxide emissions from the production of coal-fired electricity. A diagram illustrating this process ...

• TLF-IDM008854

Find out how copper ore is extracted and turned into copper metal. This is a PowerPoint presentation showing the properties, uses and extraction of copper. It includes details of the mining and processing of copper ore, as well as smelting, converting and refining to produce copper metal. Most slides contain photographs ...

• TLF-IDM008864

Find out how a coal-fired power station makes electricity. This animated video in 11 parts shows the components and processes in a coal-fired power station. The narration explains what happens at each stage. Most of the statistical information and examples relate to locations in Queensland.

• TLF-IDM008874

This is a worksheet consisting of a blank data table designed for students to record information resulting from their research into renewable energy resources. It specifies the types of energy resources to be investigated and suggests topics for research focus.

• TLF-IDM008848

Find out how gas-fired power stations work. This fact sheet describes the generation of electricity in gas-fired power stations, which typically produce 50 per cent less carbon dioxide than conventional coal-fired power plants. Information is provided about the Daandine Power Station located west of Brisbane, which uses ...

• TLF-IDM008868

This Google Earth interactive map shows the locations of operating mines in Australia. Each location is represented by name and an icon corresponding to the commodities extracted. Select an icon to view key information about the commodities, the operator and location of the mine.

• TLF-IDM008866

This Google Earth interactive map shows the locations of all operating and proposed fossil fuel power stations in Australia. Each location is represented by name and an icon corresponding to the type of fuel used. Select an icon to view key information about the ownership and location of the facility.

• TLF-IDM008858

Find out what minerals can be found in beach sands and why they are important to us. This is a PowerPoint presentation about sand minerals and the products derived from them. It deals with the origin and deposition of the mineral deposits, the properties of the minerals zircon, rutile and ilmenite and their uses as well ...

• TLF-IDM008845

This is a teaching unit, designed for year 10, aimed at engaging students in investigations about low-emission energy sources. A unit outline, teacher guidelines, student activity and an assessment task are provided.

• TLF-IDM008855

Find out where we get the coal that powers our homes and industries. This is a PowerPoint presentation outlining how coal is formed, mined, processed and used. All slides contain images or maps. Teachers' notes are included.

• TLF-IDM008865

This interactive activity allows students to explore the processes involved in the mining and processing of copper ore and the production of copper. Students initially put the processes in the correct sequence and then select each stage to animate it and access relevant information. The smelting stage includes an activity ...

• TLF-IDM008847

This fact sheet provides information about how coal seam gas or methane is extracted and used as an energy source. It describes several coal seam gas operations in the Bowen and Surat Basins in Queensland. Several photographs and a map of projects in the Surat Basin are also included.

• TLF-IDM008857

Find out how miners plan for and carry out revegetation of sand mining sites. This is a PowerPoint presentation that shows the pre-mine surveys, planning, plant propagation, dune re-profiling and maintenance work carried out by Consolidated Rutile Limited (CRL) in rehabilitating land on North Stradbroke Island, Queensland, ...