Science / Year 9 / Science Understanding / Biological sciences

Curriculum content descriptions

Multi-cellular organisms rely on coordinated and interdependent internal systems to respond to changes to their environment (ACSSU175)

Elaborations
  • describing how the requirements for life (for example oxygen, nutrients, water and removal of waste) are provided through the coordinated function of body systems such as the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, nervous and excretory systems
  • explaining how body systems work together to maintain a functioning body using models, flow diagrams or simulations
  • identifying responses using nervous and endocrine systems
  • investigating the response of the body to changes as a result of the presence of micro-organisms
  • investigating the effects on humans of exposure to electromagnetic radiations such as X-rays and microwaves
ScOT terms

Nervous system,  Plant hormones,  Endocrine system,  Immune system,  Homeostasis

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Allergies: A big overreaction

An allergic reaction occurs when the human immune system makes a mistake and responds to harmless things such as pollen. Watch this clip to learn about the role that antibodies, immune cells, receptors and chemicals such as histamine play in triggering an allergic reaction. See an animated diagram showing the immune system's ...

Online

Vitamania: vitamin profiles

Most people know that vitamins are an essential daily requirement for a healthy life, but few people really know how or why. Vitamins need to be examined individually to understand and appreciate their differences and specific importance to our bodily functions. This lesson plan with supporting video clips, introduces students ...

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Animal survivor

This resource provides a scaffold for students to analyse the features of a Queensland animal and relate them to its survival success. Students then conduct the animal design challenge: Engineering new features for their animal to increase its chance of survival and future success. Students also make predictions about how ...

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BTN: Wasted by alcohol abuse

Consuming alcohol affects our bodies. Find out what alcohol actually does inside the human body and the organ that 'fights' to reduce its harmful effects. Discover why alcohol is literally a 'waste' product.

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How does the retina work?

When electrons in your retina absorb photons of light they don't emit light, they cause a molecule to change shape - and that lets you see colour!

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BTN: Colour blindness - seeing the world differently

The ability to see colours is an important human trait, but did you know some people's colour vision is impaired. View this clip to discover what it means to be colourblind and how it happens. Find out also about the extraordinary colour vision of the dunnart, and why it is important for this nocturnal marsupial.

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Unlocking the key to why chillies are hot

Have you ever eaten hot chilli and wondered why your mouth feels like it's on fire? Watch this clip to find out all about the science of chillies, including what makes them hot, why they are hot and why they cause so much pain when we eat them.

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Why do people get itchy?

Ever wondered what's happening when you get an itch? Watch as Dr Karl Kruszelnicki explains. What are the nerves under your skin reacting to, when they get triggered into action? What is the itch sensation telling your body?

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BTN: Cancer - when the baddies take over

Cancer is a major disease in Australia and there are many different types, including leukaemia, and breast and skin cancers. View this clip to discover more about how cancer forms, why it occurs, and what cancer research is being done.

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BTN: Do you suffer from asthma?

Asthma is one of the most common chronic health problems in Australia. Fortunately, a lot is known about the causes of asthma attacks, and how to treat them. View this clip to find out what happens to the airways of an asthma sufferer and how this disease can be managed.

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Awake the mind with caffeine chemistry

Caffeine is the world's most popular drug, but what is it and how does our body respond to its presence? Watch this clip to see the chemical structure of caffeine and the three compounds it metabolises into. Find out which receptor in the brain caffeine binds to, and the overall impacts it has on brain function and activity.

Interactive

CDC Control the Disease Outbreak - iTunes app

Become a disease detective and solve the outbreak by analysing information and data provided in clues, tables and graphs. Find out about professions in disease control and prevention such as epidemiologists and earn badges as you progress through the outbreaks at each level For teachers there are some lesson plans and website ...

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Defence Mechanisms of the Body

This resource consists of 3 sets of automated illustrated slides with voice over presenting detailed information about the bodies defence against pathogens and examples of diseases and their pathogens.

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Spare parts

This ABC In Depth feature article deals with the historical and future development of our use of implants including the bionic ear and eye. Research into tissue regeneration and bionic regeneration is outlined. A bionic eye, a new heart grown in the lab, spinal implants that will help quadriplegics walk again. This provides ...

Interactive

Mucous Membrane

Students use this resource consisting of eight slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand how the mucous membrane lining the respiratory system helps to prevent infection. Three of the eight slides deal with the impact of smoking. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

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Body identity

This eleven and a half minute video segment from Catalyst is an excellent example of how science research can change our understanding. Some rare people who actually want their limb removed and will go to extraordinary lengths to do so are now regarded as experiencing a neurological phenomenon rather than a psychological disorder.

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Hendra Virus

This 11 minute video segment from Catalyst describes research into the Hendra virus with its high mortality rate and animal vectors.

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Unforgettable memories

This 10 minute video from Catalyst describes some unusual cases of people with incredible memories and brain functioning and gives a useful introduction to learning about the human nervous system and brain. Information about how memory works provides some useful strategies for revising for exams.

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Vaccines

Students use this resource consisting of eleven slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand that immunisations and medicines can be used to help the body fight infections. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

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Micro-organisms

Students use this resource consisting of four slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand the different types of microbes that can cause disease. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.