Science / Year 7 / Science Inquiry Skills / Planning and conducting

Curriculum content descriptions

Measure and control variables, select equipment appropriate to the task and collect data with accuracy (ACSIS126)

Elaborations
  • recognising the differences between controlled, dependent and independent variables
  • using a digital camera to record observations and compare images using information technologies
  • using specialised equipment to increase the accuracy of measurement within an investigation
General capabilities
  • Numeracy Numeracy
  • ICT capability Information and Communication Technology (ICT) capability
ScOT terms

Data collection,  Independence (Experiments),  Scientific control

Video

Measuring Speed (Simulation)

Students use this resource consisting of a webpage with diagrams of three cars that students can vary the speed at which they are travelling. They can calculate the time to travel 3000m and then observe the cars as they travel the distance. This demonstrates how to work out the speed of a moving object and how to make calculations ...

Text

Weeds attack!

Weeds attack! is a web-based, multimedia resource with interactive learning activities aimed at preparing students to investigate a local weed of national significance. This is a hands-on project based on the Weed Warriors program. The resource models the activity of growing a bio control for bitou bush, using a games-based ...

Online

Water: learn it for life! - year 7 science

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 ...

Video

Experimentals: Building with different shapes

Did you know that the shape of an object can affect its strength? Watch as Ruben Meerman tests two columns of different shapes to see which can carry the greater load. Consider how engineers might use this information to build tall structures.

Video

Friction: Friend or foe?

What part does the force of friction play in our everyday lives? Friction can be an advantage (friend) or a problem (foe). Join interviewer Doug Traction and professors Static, Slide, Rolling and Fluid at the National Tribology Research Centre as they have forceful fun investigating friction. This video won a prize in the ...

Interactive

Fair test

Run experiments in a plant research laboratory. Investigate the effects of different variables on the growth of lettuces, peas and tomatoes. Research the answers to questions about how to achieve optimum hydroponic growth conditions. Examine the effect of key variables on growth: nitrogen, temperature, light intensity and ...

Interactive

Stopping Distances: animation

Students use this resource consisting of a webpage in which students can vary either the vehicle (car or truck) and the road surface (dry, wet, icy) to explore the effect on stopping distance. This could be used as an introduction to friction.

Interactive

iPlan

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.

Image

Earthquakes

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 ...

Text

Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre

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 ...

Online

Modelling tropical cyclones

This teacher resource is a Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) web page containing a lesson plan on modelling tropical cyclones. The resource clearly sets out lesson objectives and provides detailed notes about the outcomes expected. It includes a link to in-depth background material on a tropical cyclone's life cycle and development ...

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 ...

Video

Electromagnetic Simulation (sk-Intel)

In this resource students explore how an electromagnet works in real life. They can then apply their learning in an electromagnetism game by changing the magnetism of a scrap lifter in a scrap yard and removing various amounts of scrap. The resource demonstrates the connection between the power applied, the number of coils ...

Online

Mapping our waterway

This is a 29-page PDF unit of work for year 7 that comprises a two-part teaching and learning sequence on waterways. 'Assessing the health of the waterway' involves students collecting data to assess the water quality of a local waterway, while 'Creating a map of the waterway' involves them using Google maps to display ...

Video

Measuring Voltage

In this simulation students select to measure the voltage across one, two or three light bulbs in series to measure the voltage drop across one, two of three bulbs.

Interactive

Science under the microscope

A student-focused mobile web application that tests students? knowledge of the NSW Science curriculum. It will reuse videos and other components of 2010 Murder under the Microscope (Shockwave on the Shoreline) to provide a series of clues that unfold as the student answers science questions correctly. After receiving all ...

Video

Expansion and Contraction

This is a problem-solving activity in which students are engaged in a challenge is to control virtual bridges using expansion and contraction so that a car can pass over them. In so doing they learn about the expansion of solids, liquids and gases when heated is applied. Students need to understand how a bimetallic strip works.

Interactive

Experiments that compare Inhaled Air and Exhaled Air

Students use this resource consisting of seven slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand the procedures to compare carbon dioxide levels of inhaled and exhaled air and to detect presence of water vapour in exhaled air. It relates the change in exhaled air to respiration. There is a two-question ...

Interactive

experiMENTALS: Straw propeller

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.

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.