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Science / Year 9 / Science understanding / Earth and space sciences

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Curriculum content descriptions

represent the carbon cycle and examine how key processes including combustion, photosynthesis and respiration rely on interactions between Earth’s spheres (the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere) (AC9S9U03)

Elaborations
  • identifying Earth as a system, describing Earth’s spheres and discussing examples of interactions between different spheres
  • examining the carbon cycle using diagrams, animations or simulations and explaining the role of photosynthesis and respiration in that cycle
  • identifying the impact of combustion reactions as a result of human activity on the carbon cycle
  • investigating the greenhouse effect and relating it to the role carbon dioxide plays in maintaining temperatures that support life on Earth
  • conducting a field investigation to evaluate carbon sequestration in an ecosystem, such as measuring tree biomass, deadwood, leaf litter and soil depth, and using formulas to calculate approximate carbon storage
  • investigating how First Nations Australians use fire-mediated chemical reactions to facilitate energy and nutrient transfer through the practice of firestick farming
  • investigating how First Nations Australians are reducing Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions through the reinstatement of traditional fire management regimes
  • identifying how carbon dioxide is captured and stored naturally or through the use of technologies
  • calculating an individual’s carbon footprint, examining the impact of human activities and suggesting strategies to reduce carbon dioxide emissions
General capabilities
  • Critical and creative thinking Critical and Creative Thinking
Cross-curriculum priorities
ScOT terms

Cellular respiration,  Ecosystems,  Carbon cycle,  Photosynthesis

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20 direct matches to AC9S9U03

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Our role in ocean acidification

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This is a colour video clip of marine scientist Abby Smith discussing the effects of increased levels of carbon dioxide on marine animals. Smith is a teacher and researcher at the University of Otago, New Zealand.

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Ocean acidification

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This is a colour video clip of marine scientist Abby Smith discussing the process of ocean acidification and the effects on marine animals. Smith is a teacher and researcher at the University of Otago, New Zealand. The clip also shows some marine animals, and some activities that have led to ocean acidification including ...

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Studying bryozoans

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This is a colour video clip of marine scientist Abby Smith discussing her interest in bryozoans. The clip shows Smith, a researcher at the University of Otago in New Zealand, being interviewed. The clip also shows some images of bryozoans.

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Video

Bryozoans' role in the ecosystem

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This is a colour video clip of marine scientist Associate Professor Abby Smith discussing the role bryozoans play in marine ecosystems. The clip shows Abby Smith, a teacher and researcher at the University of Otago, New Zealand, being interviewed. The clip also shows underwater photos of bryozoans, fish and corals.

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PRIMED Science - Year 9

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This set of learning activities focuses on ecosystems, and sustainability in food and fibre production primary industries . Students explore how humans interact with biological and physical systems to produce food and natural fibres. The resource includes a teacher guide, supporting videos, slide shows and student worksheets ...

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Text

Engineering is futures-focused and multidisciplinary

  • TLF-IDA004623

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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A Little Atmosphere

  • TLF-IDA003904

This activity invites students to model the scaled thickness of the atmosphere on a globe using sheets of transparency material. The activity includes a list of tools and materials required, what to do and notice, an explanation for the underlying science of what students observe and suggestions for further activities.

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Bushfire Education

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This website provides teaching and learning resources to support bushfire education in primary schools and secondary schools. It was developed by the Victorian Government in response to the findings of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission. The resources are grouped under four themes: learning about, preparing for, ...

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Audio

Mercury released as coal is burnt in power stations

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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 ...

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Greener farming: protecting the environment

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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 ...

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Video

Daisies describe an ecosystem

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Ecosystems are affected by many factors including increasing temperatures, which many scientists believe threaten natural systems on Earth today. This creative clip uses a theoretical world of black and white daisies to show how changes to the natural reflectivity of a planet's surface impacts temperatures and populations. ...

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Low-carb cars

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This ABC In Depth feature article explores the electric car as an alternative to petrol and diesel vehicles, with a brief reference to hydrogen powered cars. This article is comprehensive, but it is dated at 2008.

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Video

Four Corners: Megafires

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Are we approaching the 'age of megafires'? It might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but some scientists believe there is cause for concern. Watch this clip to find out how bushfires as we know them are changing. Discover why.

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Video

Elliot and the Surfing Scientist: Food is stored energy

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Elliot challenges Ruben Meerman, the Surfing Scientist, to do an experiment that involves explosions, pretty colours and lollies! Watch this clip to see what he comes up with. You might also learn something about chemical reactions and the stored energy in food.

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Video

Atoms Alive: Cells and energy

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Cells are like chemical factories. Discover the different ways cells get energy to carry out their daily operations. Learn about the different types of metabolic processes inside cells, such as those that break down molecules to release energy and those that assemble building blocks to make more complex components.

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Keeping up with carbon

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What is the carbon cycle and how does it affect climate? Find out in this fascinating clip from NASA, produced to celebrate Earth Science Week 2009.

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NASA celebrates Aura's ten-year orbit!

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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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Interactive

What should I plant to balance my carbon footprint?

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Discussion about the strategy if tree planting used to balance the impact of human activities and its effectiveness.

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Catalyst: Plants and increased levels of carbon dioxide

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We know that most plants use carbon dioxide to make their own food. So what might plants look like in 100 years if carbon dioxide levels continue to increase - will they become enormous and overtake our backyards? View the possible effects of changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide on plants and, in turn, humans and other animals.

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The Conversation: Biodiversity

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This resource contains a series of explanatory articles about biodiversity, its role in ecological conservation, key issues, and new research. It can be used to develop a broad understanding of biodiversity, its importance and impact.

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