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

Video

Change of State

This simulation allows students to change the temperature and observe the changes at macro and micro level to water. It reinforces the Particle Theory.

Interactive

Sites2See: Surf safety

A webpage about surfing safety, dangerous waves and rips, and the history and science of surfing. A 'For Kids' section provides games and quizzes for young swimmers and surfers.

Interactive

Digestion Experiments

This resource consists of 3 sets of illustrated slides with voice over presenting detailed information and explanations of an experiment used to investigate the action of amylase on starch and the optimum pH for the action of protease on egg white protein. Results are provided and interpreted using tables and graphs. More ...

Interactive

Composition of inhaled and exhaled air

This resource consists of 2 sets of automated illustrated slides with voice over presenting information about how the process of respiration changes the composition of gases present in inhaled and exhaled air. The second set demonstrates experiments to show that carbon dioxide and water vapour are exhaled.

Interactive

Sites2See: Nuclear jeopardy

Resources to help understand and debate the issues around continuing and future use of nuclear energy after the nuclear accidents in 2011 at Fukushima Daiichi and Fukushima Daini and after the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. Includes links to sites and information for both sides of the nuclear energy debate, including information ...

Video

Giant Cuttlefish

This 12 minute video segment from Catalyst outlines the fascinating and unique features of the giant cuttlefish and its mass breeding at Point Lowly. Then it explains how scientists have determined the vulnerability of this species- the fact that the eggs are sensitive to high levels of salinity and the fact that they die ...

Interactive

Science Talk 2007: Jeremy Leggett

An interview with Dr Jeremy Leggett, global environmental expert from Solarcentury in the UK. Jeremy talks to a teacher from Leumeah High School about global warming, fossil fuels and the design of carbon neutral buildings.

Interactive

Respiration in Plants

This resource consists of automated illustrated slides with voice over presenting information about why plants need to respire, their need for oxygen and a comparison of when respiration and photosynthesis occurs.

Audio

Chemicals on the Great Barrier Reef

This program deals with a range of human impacts on the Great Barrier Reef. Herbicides from land runoff have been traced to algae and sea grasses in river mouths and coastal zones along the Great Barrier Reef. Effects include retardation of photosynthesis and growth of corals. Other pressures on the reef include high water ...

Interactive

Digestion Part 2 (sk- Intel)

This brief resource consists of 6 sets of illustrated slides with voice over presenting highly detailed information about the role and function of the various parts of the digestive system starting at the small intestine onwards (it is the second part of a resource).

Interactive

Aerobic Respiration

This resource consists of 2 sets of automated illustrated slides with voice over presenting information about aerobic respiration and compares respiration with burning.

Video

Water recycling

This 11 minute video segment from Catalyst provides an excellent explanation of the processes involved in recycling sewage for an urban water supply. It also provides a range of opinions and concerns in an excellent debate on the topic.

Interactive

Digestion – part 1

This resource consists of 4 sets of illustrated slides with voice over presenting highly detailed information about the process of digestion and the role and function of the various parts of the digestive system up to the small intestine (it is the first part of a resource).

Interactive

Preparing Slides of Plant Cells

Students use this resource consisting of six slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand how to prepare a slide of onion cells. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

Interactive

experiMENTALS: Bouncing balls

This resource contains a materials and instruction list and brief explanation for students to observe what happens when two different sized balls are dropped independently or in vertical contact. The simple explanation relates to transfer of energy.

Interactive

Science Talk 2007: Tim Entwistle

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 ...

Audio

Water-powered engine theories need hosing down

This ABC article by Dr Karl addresses the question: will we one day be able to power cars with water? The chemical reactions involved in the formation and decomposition of water are described. Energy transformations are explained. A very useful resource to get students thinking.

Interactive

Digestion Experiments 2

Students use this resource consisting of ten slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand that enzymes work best at a specific pH. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

Text

Uses of mineral sands

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 ...

Text

Coal and its uses

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.