Science / Year 7 / Science understanding / Physical sciences

Curriculum content descriptions

investigate and represent balanced and unbalanced forces, including gravitational force, acting on objects, and relate changes in an object’s motion to its mass and the magnitude and direction of forces acting on it (AC9S7U04)

Elaborations
  • investigating the effects of applying different forces to familiar objects of the same and different mass
  • analysing the effect of balanced and unbalanced forces on an object’s motion, such as starting, stopping and changing direction
  • measuring the magnitude of a force using a force meter and representing the magnitude and direction of forces acting on an object using force arrow diagrams
  • investigating how Earths gravitational force is the attractive force which pulls objects to the centre of Earth and its magnitude is related to the mass of an object
  • investigating how simple machines such as levers and pulleys are used to change the magnitude of force needed to perform a task
  • examining how gravity affects objects in space, including moons, planets, stars, galaxies and black holes
  • analysing the forces acting on boomerangs and how early First Peoples of Australia designed an air foil profile which allowed for multiple variations and applications
  • investigating the effect of forces through the application of simple machines, such as the bow and arrows used by Torres Strait Islander Peoples or the spearthrowers used by First Peoples of Australia
General capabilities
  • Critical and creative thinking Critical and Creative Thinking
ScOT terms

Gravity,  Paper crafts,  Machinery,  Reciprocal actions

Online

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Cardboard train wheels | Questacon

In this activity, students explore how train wheels are designed for stability on straight or curved rail. Students make two different models of train wheels from paper cups, observe how they perform on their homemade rail and compare the behaviour of their designs. The activity includes a list of what is required, suggestions ...

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Water turbine | Questacon

In this activity, students make and test a simple water-driven turbine. The activity includes a list of what is required, suggestions of what to do and notice, questions to ask, an explanation for the underlying science of what students observe and suggestions for other related activities.

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Flight Club: Teacher Resource Book

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Downloadable

Construct a lifting machine - teacher resource kit

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Biomimicry glider

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Cranky Contraptions

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Balancing Sculptures

This activity invites students to explore balance and stability by designing and building whimsical kinetic sculptures that tilt, slide, and suspend everyday objects and ordinary materials into surprising arrangements. Students explore stability, centres of gravity, balanced forces and symmetry through this hands-on, tactile ...

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Cardboard Automata

This activity invites students to explore simple mechanical elements such as cams, levers, and linkages, while creating a moving sculpture. This activity is simple to start but may become more and more complex as students become familiar with possible motions and imagine ways to artistically decorate their contraption. ...

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Stomp Rocket Design Challenge

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Video

Catalyst: The physics of a slinky drop

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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

Rotocopters

This resource contains lessons plans containing instructions and teachers' notes for a lesson that can be part of a unit on flight or used as a great motivating activity to foster positive attitudes. The clear and explicit instructions are a good example of a procedural text. The notes also provide a clear explanation of ...

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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.

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Elliot and the Surfing Scientist: Make a lava lamp model using oil and water

Imagine making your very own lava lamp using materials from your kitchen and bathroom. Watch the Surfing Scientist team show you how it can be done, then try and figure out why it works.

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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: Do heavier things fall faster?

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Catalyst: Why do astronauts float in space?

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Experimentals: Examples of Bernoulli's theorem

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Interactive

Sites2See: Surf safety

A webpage about surfing safety, dangerous waves and rips, and the history and science of surfing. A 'For Kids' section provides games and quizzes for young swimmers and surfers.