Science / Year 9 / Science as a human endeavour / Nature and development of science

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Curriculum content descriptions

investigate how advances in technologies enable advances in science, and how science has contributed to developments in technologies and engineering (AC9S9H02)

Elaborations
  • analysing how the development of imaging technologies has improved our understanding of the functions and interactions of body systems
  • considering the impact of technological advances developed in Australia such as the cochlear implant pioneered by Professor Graeme Clark, the Monash Vison Group’s work on a bionic eye, Professor Fiona Woods’s development of spray-on skin and Doctor John O’Sullivan and CSIRO’s invention of wi-fi
  • researching how technological advances in monitoring greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental factors have contributed to the reinstatement of traditional fire management practices as a strategy to reduce atmospheric pollution
  • examining how properties of electromagnetic radiation relate to its uses, such as radar, medicine, mobile phone communications, remote sensing and microwave cooking
  • exploring how scientists and engineers make machines more energy efficient
  • exploring how understanding of the nature of matter and energy has changed over time, and how modern technology has enabled exploration of energy conversion processes at all scales, from black holes to atoms to sub-atomic particles
  • examining how advances in understanding of radioactivity and radioisotopes have led to new applications and technologies
General capabilities
  • Critical and creative thinking Critical and Creative Thinking
ScOT terms

Discovery (Observations),  Innovation,  Technologies

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20 direct matches to AC9S9H02

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Digital tectonics

  • TLF-IDA005776

This set of learning activities challenges students to use accessible digital technologies and hands-on engineering to measure simulated seismic vibrations, analyse and present data, and determine criteria for the design of earthquake tolerant buildings. The module includes a comprehensive teacher guide, curriculum links, ...

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Thermoregulation in spacesuits

  • TLF-IDA004624

Space exploration demands technological advances that enable survival in extremely harsh environments. In this lesson, students will explore contemporary spacesuit design and create their own representation of the suit’s thermoregulation system.

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Assist me

  • TLF-IDA005774

This set of learning activities challenges students to students consider the role that STEM plays in healthcare. They explore how biomedical engineers and doctors work together to improve and invent devices that enable people with disabilities to complete daily life tasks efficiently and effectively. Students consider ethics, ...

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Food and Fibre Card Game

  • TLF-IDA005026

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 ...

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Audio

Mercury released as coal is burnt in power stations

  • TLF-IDA009021

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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Researchers find grain's memory gene

  • TLF-IDM016547

This brief ABC News in Science article from 2009 gives an excellent example of responses of plants to temperature change and current Australian science. Plants use a genetic memory to recognise when it is spring and can even count the number of cold days.

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The price of peak fuel

  • TLF-IDM016491

This ABC In Depth feature article discusses the projections of how long will our energy resources will last given that our need for fossil fuels is insatiable, but coal, oil, gas and uranium reserves are finite and some may even be in decline. This article is comprehensive, but it is dated at 2008.

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Low-carb cars

  • TLF-IDM016341

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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Interactive

Predicting earthquakes: are we there yet?

  • TLF-IDM016305

Ask and expert' ABC article exemplifies some creative approaches of scientists to the significant problem of predicting earthquakes. The science behind the various methods is outlined, their successes and failures and problems for possible future developments.

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Video

Using maths to understand the universe

  • TLF-IDM021659

When completed, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project will be the largest and most capable radio telescope available to scientists. Radio telescopes like the SKA detect radio waves produced by events and objects in the furthest reaches of space, translating these waves into data and imagery that allow scientists to study ...

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Video

NASA celebrates Aura's ten-year orbit!

  • TLF-IDM018852

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

  • TLF-IDM016726

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.

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Audio

CERN legend stuff of angels and demons

  • TLF-IDM016702

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

  • TLF-IDM016691

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.

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Video

Cracked soils

  • TLF-IDM016422

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

  • TLF-IDM016120

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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Video

BTN: The biggest radio telescope in the world

  • TLF-IDM015438

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 ...

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Interactive

Syllabus Bites: Biotechnology

  • TLF-IDM015296

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.

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Interactive

Genes

  • TLF-IDL5917

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 ...

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Interactive

Tectonics investigator

  • TLF-IDL5826

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 ...

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