Science / Year 10 / Science as a Human Endeavour / Nature and development of science

Curriculum content descriptions

Advances in scientific understanding often rely on technological advances and are often linked to scientific discoveries (ACSHE192)

Elaborations
  • recognising that the development of fast computers has made possible the analysis of DNA sequencing, radio astronomy signals and other data
  • considering how computer modelling has improved knowledge and predictability of phenomena such as climate change and atmospheric pollution
  • researching examples of major international scientific projects, for example the Large Hadron Collider and the International Space Station
  • considering how information technology can be applied to different areas of science such as bioinformatics and the Square Kilometre Array
ScOT terms

Innovation,  Discovery (Observations)

Audio

Solar thermal electricity

This program gives an update on research into solar thermal electricity. Liddell Power Station in the Hunter Valley, NSW is a hybrid power station using solar energy to pre-heat water and so reduce the use of coal and the production of carbon dioxide. Some scientists claim that harnessing the solar heat in an area 50km ...

Audio

Space telescopes and servicing Hubble

This radio interview gives examples of how improvements in technology have influenced astronomy. The Space Shuttle Atlantis is paying a service call to the Hubble Space Telescope, repairing, replacing and deploying new equipment. Jonathan Nally describes the mission and looks at other large telescopes in orbit now, and ...

Audio

Gus Nossal speaks on being a research scientist, 2008

This is an edited sound recording of one of Australia's best known research scientists and immunologists, Sir Gustav Nossal, outlining his views on medical research. He discusses the qualities necessary for a person to be a successful scientific researcher and talks about the nature and future of science research, suggesting ...

Audio

Gus Nossal describes his most noted medical research, 2008

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 ...