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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Video

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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Video

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

  • TLF-IDM008883

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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Text

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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Interactive

Why is the ozone hole bigger in the less polluted southern hemisphere?

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This article provides an excellent model of a scientific explanation. It addresses the question "if the atmosphere in the northern hemisphere is much more polluted than it is in the southern hemisphere, why is there an ozone hole in the south and not in the north?"

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Text

The price of peak fuel

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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

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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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Audio

Chemicals on the Great Barrier Reef

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This program deals with a range of human impacts on the Great Barrier Reef. Herbicides from land runoff have been traced to algae and sea grasses in river mouths and coastal zones along the Great Barrier Reef. Effects include retardation of photosynthesis and growth of corals. Other pressures on the reef include high water ...

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Audio

Water-powered engine theories need hosing down

  • TLF-IDM016135

This ABC article by Dr Karl addresses the question: will we one day be able to power cars with water? The chemical reactions involved in the formation and decomposition of water are described. Energy transformations are explained. A very useful resource to get students thinking.

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Video

Keeping up with carbon

  • TLF-IDM019730

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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Video

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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Video

Catalyst: Plants and increased levels of carbon dioxide

  • TLF-IDM015385

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

  • TLF-IDM021555

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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