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

Version 8
View on Australian Curriculum website Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority
Curriculum content descriptions

People use science understanding and skills in their occupations and these have influenced the development of practices in areas of human activity (ACSHE136)

Elaborations
  • describing how technologies have been applied to modern farming techniques to improve yields and sustainability
  • investigating how Aboriginal people recognise relationships in ecosystems by burning to promote new growth, attract animals and afford easier hunting and food gathering
  • describing the impact of plant cloning techniques (asexual production) in agriculture such as horticulture, fruit production and vineyards
  • investigating the role of science in the development of technology important to the economies and communities of the Asia–Pacific regions, for example car manufacture, earthquake prediction and electronic optics
  • recognising the role of knowledge of the environment and ecosystems in a number of occupations
  • considering how engineers improve energy efficiency of a range of processes
  • recognising the role of knowledge of cells and cell divisions in the area of disease treatment and control
  • investigating how scientists have created new materials such as synthetic fibres, heat-resistant plastics and pharmaceuticals
General capabilities
  • Ethical understanding Ethical understanding
Cross-curriculum priorities
ScOT terms

Environmental management,  Technology,  Industries

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      Sustainable table: the coming famine

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      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 ...

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      Sustainable table: meet your meat

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      This is a website about the environmental and animal welfare issues related to the consumption of meat. It contains sections on the amount of meat we eat; the environmental impacts of consuming meat; cattle, chicken, egg-laying-hen and pig-farming factories; and what can be done to improve the current state of the meat ...

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      Salinity and the Murray-Darling Basin

      • TLF-IDM019057

      This lesson sequence examines salinity in the Murray-Darling Basin: the source of the salt, why it is a problem, how it is monitored and current management strategies. It includes a teacher PowerPoint presentation, separate teacher notes and a student worksheet. This lesson sequence is one in a series exploring aspects ...

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      The price of peak fuel

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      This ABC In Depth feature article discusses the projections of how long will our energy resources will last given that our need for fossil fuels is insatiable, but coal, oil, gas and uranium reserves are finite and some may even be in decline. This article is comprehensive, but it is dated at 2008.

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      Locks, Weirs and Dams

      • TLF-IDM019059

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      Unconsious bias: You can be a scientist: STEM careers

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      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 ...

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      Running the rivers of the Murray-Darling Basin

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      The Conversation - issues concerning self and identity - organ donation

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      Solar wind gives asteroids a tanning

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      This brief ABC News in Science article from 2009 explains that asteroids become redder the longer they stay out in the sun because of the solar wind. Scientists are using this to try to find our more about our planetary origins.

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      Cotton Australia fact sheets

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      This library provides a series of one to two page fact sheets on a range of topics related to the Australian cotton industry including: an overview of the industry, history of the cotton industry in Australia and in the world; economics of Australian cotton; biotechnology; climate challenges and cotton; properties of cotton ...

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      The Invisible War: A tale on two scales

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      Animal survivor

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      English as an Additional Language: Science Language Literacy Pilot Project

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      Creating an Indigenous plant-use garden: vision

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      Planning for an Indigenous plant-use garden is a good way to develop a connection with and respect for First Nations people's perspectives. Use this learning activity to explore exciting ideas, create goals and understand more about successful Indigenous plant-use garden projects. Outcomes of this learning activity are ...

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      Soil – more than just dirt!

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      Explore different soil textures and discover their various properties. Through simple soil testing, children will learn to appreciate the true value soils have in helping plants grow. The learning outcomes of this activity are for children to: - understand how soil texture influences the amount of water and air it holds - ...

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      Education - Return to 1616 Ecological Restoration Project

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      Creating an Indigenous plant-use garden: harvesting

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      The satisfaction of eating straight from the garden is one of life’s best learning experiences, however we need to be respectful and mindful to only harvest what we need to allow the plant to continue to thrive for generations to come. This activity involves the assessment and mapping of local environments to create a successful ...

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      Growing healthy plants using natural pesticides

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      Plants are vulnerable to pests and diseases. This learning activity is designed for children to: understand how to cultivate healthy plants using organic gardening methods; look to natural ingredients as a solution to ridding plants of unwanted pests and diseases; and know how to make a natural pesticide and evaluate the ...

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      Creating an Indigenous plant-use garden: planting

      • TLF-IDA002849

      The outcomes of this learning activity are for children to: follow instructions and a planting plan; understand the steps involved in planting out and maintaining a successful Indigenous plant-use garden enjoy being active and productive outdoors and build their social and teamwork skills; physically be involved in the ...

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      Creating an Indigenous plant-use garden: resources from the bush

      • TLF-IDA002851

      For thousands of years, First Nations peoples across Australia have been using plants for many different purposes. Plants are used for food, fibre, shelter, medicine, tools and utensils, hunting, music and ceremony. Everything they needed to survive comes from the land. Outcomes of this learning activity are for learners ...

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