Science / Year 8 / Science Understanding / Biological sciences

Curriculum content descriptions

Multi-cellular organisms contain systems of organs carrying out specialised functions that enable them to survive and reproduce (ACSSU150)

Elaborations
  • identifying the organs and overall function of a system of a multicellular organism in supporting the life processes
  • describing the structure of each organ in a system and relating its function to the overall function of the system
  • examining the specialised cells and tissues involved in structure and function of particular organs
  • comparing similar systems in different organisms such as digestive systems in herbivores and carnivores, respiratory systems in fish and mammals
  • distinguishing between asexual and sexual reproduction
  • comparing reproductive systems of organisms
Cross-curriculum priorities
ScOT terms

Plant structure and function,  Body systems

Video

Eyeballing colours

Fiery red, cool blue and sunny yellow are phrases used to describe feelings associated with colours. But what actually is colour? Why is it there and what helps us to see it? Follow Chloe Sheridan as she unravels the complexity of seeing colour by delving into its physics and biology. She entered this video in the 2013 ...

Video

Turtles

This 7 minute video segment from Catalyst describes the risk factors that impact on turtle survival. Protecting the future of turtle populations on the Queensland coast has been the life's work of Col Limpus for the past 40 years. His efforts have included research and reducing predation from foxes and entrapment in trawler nets.

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

Testing a Leaf for Starch

Students use this resource consisting of seven slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand how to test a leaf for starch and how this relates to the occurrence of photosynthesis in the leaf. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

Interactive

Fermentation

This resource consists of 2 sets of automated illustrated slides with voice over presenting information about fermentation and useful microorganisms. It includes the use of terms such as enzymes and anaerobic respiration.

Interactive

Breathing and Respiration

This resource consists of five sets of automated illustrated slides with voice over presenting detailed information and explanations about the mechanism of human breathing and the respiration system.

Interactive

e-Health: Digital Citizenship

Resource consisting of information and student activities that emphasise the need for neutral posture when using computers. Contains activities and links to stimulus materials.

Interactive

Differences between Photosynthesis and Respiration

Students use this resource consisting of four slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand the differences between photosynthesis and respiration. These are summarised in word equations. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

Interactive

Human Circulatory System

This resource consists of 5 sets of automated illustrated slides with voice over presenting detailed information and explanations of the components of the human circulatory system and their functions.

Interactive

Plant Organs

Students use this introductory resource consisting of two slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand the names and functions of some plant organs. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

Interactive

Plant Mineral Requirements

Students use this resource consisting of six slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand that nitrogen and other elements, in addition to carbon, oxygen and hydrogen, are required for plant growth. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

Interactive

Exploring the human body

This resource for basic physiology and anatomy has a comprehensive outline of all the systems of the body and sensory organs, with animated graphics and activities to help explain them, plus links to visual and interactive resources online.

Video

Breathing and Respiration: animation

This resource allows students to 'resuscitate' a patient by dragging and dropping the main structures involved in breathing into the correct position. Incorrect positioning results in death! When organs are correctly positioned, the patient commences breathing and the structures are labelled.

Interactive

The Structure of the Heart

Students use this resource consisting of nine slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand the basic structure of the heart and its need for a supply of blood from the coronary artery. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

Interactive

The Role of the Leaf in Photosynthesis

Students use this resource consisting of nine slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand the structures of the leaf and its cells that facilitate photosynthesis. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

Interactive

Transport of Gases

Students use this resource consisting of four slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand how oxygen and carbon dioxide are transported around the body. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

Interactive

Components of Blood

This resource consists of 7 sets of automated illustrated slides with voice over presenting detailed information and explanations of the constituents of blood and their different functions. It also contains a drag and drop self correcting activity for students.

Interactive

Experiments to see if Chlorophyll and Light are Needed to Make Starch

Students use this resource consisting of eight slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand that chlorophyll and light are needed for a plant to make starch. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

Video

AERO Ochre Science Year 8 Unit 1 - Cells, tissues and organs

This sequence of 15 lessons will teach students about cells, tissues and organs, and how they function in plants and animals.

Online

Greener farming: protecting the environment

This study guide examines ways Australian cattle and sheep farmers are monitoring and researching how greenhouse gas emissions are being produced by farms and steps farmers use to reduce them. This includes selective breeding programs to produce cattle and sheep whose digestive processes emit less methane, research into ...