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Science / Year 10 / Science as a human endeavour / Nature and development of science

Curriculum content descriptions

investigate how advances in technologies enable advances in science, and how science has contributed to developments in technologies and engineering (AC9S10H02)

Elaborations
  • examining karyotypes and applications of gene technologies, such as gene therapy and genetic engineering and biotechnologies used to produce therapeutic proteins
  • recognising that the development of fast computers has made possible the analysis of DNA sequencing, radio astronomy signals and other data generated by major international science projects such as the Event Horizon Telescope, Large Hadron Collider, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory and the Square Kilometre Array
  • considering how computer modelling has improved knowledge and predictability of phenomena such as climate change and atmospheric pollution
  • investigating how satellites generate global data including ocean temperatures, sea levels and forest and ice cover and examining how that data is used to evaluate the effects of climate change
  • researching how an understanding of the way DNA stores data has been applied to DNA bar coding to accelerate the pace of research in fields such as chemical engineering, materials science and nanotechnology
  • examining how the recent use of female crash test dummies has shown women are at greater risk of injury in a car accident and considering implications for changing car safety features
  • exploring how the development of new materials and thin films has led to better computer chips and solar cells
  • investigating how the development of superstrong, lighter alloys has enabled engineers to improve structural components in building, transportation and industry and to design products such as improved protective armour for police and soldiers
General capabilities
  • Critical and creative thinking Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Literacy Literacy
ScOT terms

Discovery (Observations),  Innovation,  Technologies

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Engineering is futures-focused and multidisciplinary

In this lesson, students explore the multidisciplinary nature of contemporary engineering, and how engineering is pivotal to solving future challenges such as climate change, renewable energy and food security.

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Future transport – air taxis

In this lesson, students learn about advanced air mobility, and explore the infrastructure requirements to adapt cities and towns for eVTOLs.

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Food and Fibre Card Game

In this card game, students explore the career opportunities in the Australian grains industry. Students examine the Australian grain supply chain and view real-life examples of the various roles in the production and distribution of grain products and the technologies driving advancements within the sector. From seed ...

Audio

Mercury released as coal is burnt in power stations

This short audio interview with interdisciplinary scientist Suresh Bhargava explores the impact of mercury released from industrial processes, including from the burning of coal in power stations. It is estimated 60,000 babies are born each year in the United States with mercury-related diseases from the burning of coal ...

Video

Growing carbon nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes are a very tiny but super strong material used in manufacturing to create strong, lightweight products. Besides sporting equipment, find out what other kinds of products are made using these tiny molecules. What other qualities (besides size and strength) do carbon nanotubes have that makes them even more ...

Video

When neutron stars collide

Using technologically advanced supercomputers, scientists have developed theories about the creation of black holes deep in outer space. Watch the computer simulation in this clip to see how the collision of two neutron stars produces a gamma ray burst and a new black hole. Discover that our continuing understanding of ...

Video

Landline: Handling deadly viruses safely to save lives

Imagine working in a research laboratory and handling deadly animal viruses that could potentially infect humans. Find out how this vital research helps protect Australia's wildlife, farm animals and human population. See how scientists use techniques such as 'gene silencing' to fight viruses.

Video

BTN: Living on the International Space Station

What would it be like to live on a space station? In this clip you'll see footage of astronauts on the International Space Station and discover what their daily life is like. You'll also find out about how the space station was built and about some important research being done there.

Video

Can We Help?: Exploring nanotechnology

Peter Binks, CEO of Nanotechnology Victoria, answers the question 'How does nanotechnology work?' Discover what nanotechnology is and see several examples in action, such as scratch-resistant paint used in the car industry. Consider future applications of nanotechnology in areas such as sports, health care, clothing and cleaning.

Video

NASA celebrates Aura's ten-year orbit!

Aura is a NASA satellite that in 2014 celebrated ten years orbiting Earth, collecting data about the planet's atmosphere and climate. Aura is helping scientists better understand global systems, including the composition of gases in the ozone layer, air pollution and climate change. Watch to learn more about this space ...

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Solar wind gives asteroids a tanning

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.

Audio

CERN legend stuff of angels and demons

This ABC article or podcast by Dr Karl describes and outlines the role of the particle accelerator, the Large Hadron Collider and how it is helping to research the nature of mass. This article is dated (2008) as some significant results from the Large Hadron Collider have since been announced.

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Species on the move

This ABC In Depth feature article presents arguments about moving vulnerable species to cooler climates in advance of climate change is a controversial strategy, and whether it could be the best way of ensuring their survival.

Video

Cracked soils

This brief video segment from Catalyst demonstrates how scientists have developed probes to measure the water content of soils and therefore monitor the effectiveness of irrigation and the efficiency of water usage.

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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 ...

Video

BTN: The biggest radio telescope in the world

In the past, astronomers explored the universe with their eyes and optical telescopes, but what they could see was limited. Find out how radio telescopes have revolutionised the way astronomers 'see' the universe, allowing us to explore deeper into space than ever before.Watch this clip to learn about Australia's contribution ...

Video

Catalyst: Geoengineering - a solution to climate change?

What is geoengineering, and how is it being investigated by scientists as a means of combating climate change? Learn about some climate control techniques that could slow down or even reverse the effects of global warming. Hear an atmospheric physicist explain the pros and cons of geoengineering techniques.

Interactive

Syllabus Bites: Biotechnology

This website defines biotechnology and highlights some examples from the broad spectrum constituting biotechnology, describing potential for benefits and harm. It explores both the science and ethical issues.

Interactive

Genes

See how genes and genetic engineering work. Build models of DNA, and work out how it is copied as cells divide. Discover how the codes carried in the genes are copied and used to build proteins. See how gene splicing can be used to benefit human lives. For example, model the transfer of a human gene into bacteria, so they ...

Interactive

Tectonics investigator

Investigate the internal structure of the Earth using earthquake measurements. Examine the Earth’s outer layer. Fit the Earth's tectonic plates together like a jigsaw puzzle. Identify how plate movements produce many features of the Earth’s surface. Predict the formation of new volcanic islands. This learning object is ...