Science / Year 7 / Science as a human endeavour / Use and influence of science

Curriculum content descriptions

examine how proposed scientific responses to contemporary issues may impact on society and explore ethical, environmental, social and economic considerations (AC9S7H03)

Elaborations
  • investigating how scientific knowledge that larger reserves are better for maintaining ecosystem function might interact with competing viewpoints, values and interests for land use when planning ecological reserves
  • examining how laboratory-grown meat might reduce impact on ecosystems and considering any social, ethical and economic implications of developing laboratory-grown meat for wide consumption
  • examining how the use of desalination plants to produce fresh water has impacted marine ecosystems where the desalination plants are located
  • investigating the contributions of First Nations Australians’ knowledges in the identification of medicinal properties of endemic plants and the ethical, environmental, social and economic implications of others using these knowledges
  • investigating the ethical, environmental, social and economic implications of proposed scientific responses that involve cross-cultural partnerships and build on First Nations Australians’ land management techniques
  • discussing how scientific knowledge of the forces involved in flight has led to changes in aircraft design and any ethical, environmental, social and economic considerations of these changes
  • researching how properties of gases were utilised in the gas warfare in the First World War and the subsequent development of the Geneva Protocol and the later adoption of the Chemical Weapons Convention international arms control treaty
General capabilities
  • Critical and creative thinking Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Ethical understanding Ethical understanding
ScOT terms

Medicine,  Interpersonal influence,  Ethics,  Environmental management

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Climate calculations

In this set of learning activities, students use science, technologies and mathematics to explore climate change and to develop approaches that communities might implement to adapt to climate change. The module includes a comprehensive teacher guide, curriculum links, materials lists, design process guides and printable ...

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PRIMED Science - Year 9

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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Engineering solutions for platypus protection

Students learn about the important role engineering plays in conservation. They explore how engineers, industrial designers and ecologists collaborate to mitigate the impact of human activity on different species.

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PRIMED Science - Year 7

This set of learning activities focuses on soils as the basis of food production. Students investigate soils as dynamic ecosystems, exploring 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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Creating a worm farm

Food and gardening scraps thrown into household bins becomes landfill. When food waste breaks down in landfill, it emits greenhouse gases including methane gas which traps heat in our atmosphere. Diverting this organic waste from landfill and into a worm farm or composting system is great for your garden and for our planet. ...

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Using water sustainably through science

This teacher resource is a sequence of activities for investigating water resources. The material assists with planning, implementing and assessing a study of how water resources are managed. It covers how water resources are used and shared, particularly by food producers; the impact of changing weather and climate; and ...

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Landline: Drones and bugs

We don't normally associate robotics with farming but, in fact, robotics have revolutionised farming and agriculture in recent years. Find out how some strawberry farmers are using drones to disperse 'good' bugs for pest control management. Can you think of some other ways drones could be used to help farmers?

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Science Talk 2008

An online resource with interviews and master classes with many of Australia's prominent scientists. Interviews with eight scientists in areas of astronomy, marine biology, bio-chemistry related to medical research, chemistry related to materials science, astro-imaging, palaeontology, climate change science and psychology ...

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Catalyst: Underground coal gasification

How are scientists using technology to get energy out of coal without having to dig it up? Find out how underground coal gasification (UCG) burns and converts the coal to gas underground. Visit UCG trial sites in Queensland and hear how UCG avoids some of the environmental effects of traditional coal mining, but may have ...

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BTN: Storing data in a 'cloud'

Explore how you can access all of your personal files from any electronic device, anytime. See how cloud computing makes it no longer necessary to have separate copies of your photos, music and documents on every device you use. Watch this clip to find out more about cloud technology and the future of data storage and retrieval.

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Can We Help?: Effects of g-force on the human body

Peter Rowsthorn visits the Australian International Air Show to answer the question, 'What effect does g-force have on the human body?' Join Pete in the cockpit of a light plane for some aerobatics with pilot David Pilkington. G-force expert Dr David Newman explains the science as Pete endures up to 6 g in the aircraft.

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Catalyst: Supercapacitors: new battery technology

Discover how nanotechnology is contributing to the creation of new, improved batteries that may soon be used in all our mobile phones and portable music devices - even in cars and trams. Catalyst's Tanya Ha looks at how traditional batteries produce electricity and how their efficiency may be increased by tiny devices known ...

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Party locusts

This 8 minute video segment from Catalyst is an excellent example of animal behaviour of locusts as a successful adaptation and how understanding the behaviour can potentially help reduce the damage they cause.

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Associate Professor Liz Harry

This minute video segment from Catalyst discusses Professor Liz Harry work on developing new antibiotics. A better understanding of the processes that regulate cell division in bacteria may lead to the development of new medicines.

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Science Talk 2007: Melanie Bishop

An interview and laboratory tour with Dr Melanie Bishop, a benthic marine ecologist at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS). Melanie talks to students from Epping Boys High School about her work studying benthic marine ecosystems and the animals that live there. Melanie shares insights into a career in marine biology.

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Sea Urchins

This 7 minute video segment from Catalyst describes an excellent example of how biologists have worked to investigate and solve a problem of an invading species of sea urchin that was devastating a marine ecosystem. The scientific approach to develop a biological control needed to rely on technologies such as radio tracking ...

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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 ...

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BTN: The Moon landing

Some say landing on the moon is as one of humanity's greatest achievements. Learn about the history of the moon landing and some of the challenges faced by scientists. See actual footage of the astronauts on the moon as part of the Apollo 11 mission.

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Catalyst: Advances in nuclear power technology

Imagine our world if nuclear power generation could be made safer. Discover how Chinese scientists have developed a new nuclear reactor that reduces the chances of the reactor overheating to the point of meltdown. To do this the pebble bed reactor uses advances in technology to replace the traditional water-cooled system. ...

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Catalyst: Coorong salinity

Imagine the mighty Murray River as it flows through South Australia and reaches the sea. Explore the consequences of drought and human activity while listening to Graham Phillips describe the effects of the Coorong's increasing salinity and the the associated threat to Adelaide's supply of fresh water.