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Listed under:  Science  >  Scientific inquiry
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Cats, Dogs and Us: Lesson plans (years 1-2)

This teacher resource is an International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) resource designed to encourage students to examine the physical characteristics and natural behaviours of cats and dogs, and discuss the various ways we live with and care for cats and dogs around the world. It consists of five lesson plans, three ...

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The Conversation: research ethics collection

This is a series of short articles on the topic of research ethics and the scientific method. It includes ethics of social sciences, animal research, clinical trials, and legal issues. The articles are written in plain language and are authored by experts from universities in Australia and around the world. The articles ...

Online

Saving our Soils

This is a unit of work about the characteristics of soil and the important role soil plays in supporting life on Earth. The unit is divided into seven activity sequences that explore the definition of soil; the characteristics of soil types; the effects of soil nutrients on plant growth; and the role of ground cover in ...

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Planting fruit and vegetables

In this sequence of lessons students grow a plant from seed, capturing each step and decision as an algorithmic process and recording data for future learning.

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Bringing Military Science to Life: STEM careers

This is a unit of work about military science, the occupations that use military science and the future and ethics of this technology. This resource aims to have students think about the people who work in military science (who they are and what it is they do); and to begin to consider the purpose of military science (that ...

Online

Forensics: STEM careers

This is a unit of work about forensic science, the occupations that use forensic science and the future and ethics of forensics. The resource includes: An introduction with teacher notes, student tasks, embedded videos and links to additional resources. Specific topics explored include what is forensic science and how ...

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Protecting Australian Food Production Systems through Biosecurity Education

This is an extended unit of work focusing on biosecurity and its importance for Australia. The unit is organised into three major sections: biosecurity awareness-raising; practical participation in biosecurity related investigations; and promoting a biosecurity-aware community. Each section contains numerous student activities. ...

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Biodiversity – sustainability action process (Years 3–6)

This biodiversity learning resource guides students through an extended school based investigation. Students develop and implement a chosen sustainability action and then evaluate and reflect on their success and their learning.

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Lens Simulation (sk- Intel)

Students learn about the application of light refraction by completing a series of tasks based on light refraction using both concave and convex lenses.

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Kristian Lang

This 5 minute video segment from Catalyst promotes discussion about the nature and processes of science. Kristian Lang is a science-mad primary school student who won 1st prize in an International Science Film Festival competing against students of all ages right up to university level. He conveys an infectious passion ...

Online

Activity: don't waste energy poster

This is a web resource about conserving energy that provides a student activity accompanied by a teacher guide. The activity requires students to create a poster based on an energy saving tip. A student worksheet provides activity instructions, including a list of energy saving tips. The teacher guide suggests the posters ...

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For the Juniors: Where Does Bread Come From?

Do you know where your bread comes from? Discover how many other foods can be made from wheat flour. This clip tells the story of wheat from the farm to the factory. See how the big machines in a flour mill make flour from grains of wheat.

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For the Juniors: Wet weather in cold and warm climates

Have you ever thought about how rainy weather feels in different places? This short clip talks about wet weather in a cold place and in a warm place. You will hear some children talking about how they feel when it's raining where they live.

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Lakes in Antarctica

Scientists are not complacent. We still have a lot to learn about the water cycle. The discovery of glacial lakes under the ice in Antarctica actively transporting water between reservoirs was a surprise. These lakes can be up to 3km beneath the ice sheets. The pressure of the ice above helps to melt the ice, forming lakes. ...

Interactive

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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Ant safari

This ABC In Depth feature article includes some good advice for exploring local ant populations as well as an excellent information report on Australian ants: the different types and their roles.

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Sites2See: How to communicate with aliens

Through the ages humans have used symbols and symbol systems to communicate with one another. Students are challenged to compile a message that could be understood by anyone in the world and possibly beyond.

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Ibis Invasion

This ABC In Depth feature article describes research on Australian white ibis - or 'tip turkeys' as many call them. They are regarded as a nuisance in cities, especially in the spring breeding season. But scientists fear they may become extinct as more pressure is put on the wetlands that are their native and adopted environments. ...

Online

Carbon is child's play

Carbon is all around us and makes up every living thing. This unit investigates the basic science of carbon in living things and build awareness of the science of the carbon cycle and its importance to our daily lives and the planet. The unit includes PDF resources and video quiz challenges for teachers and student and ...

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Ngan'gi seasons calendar

This is a seasonal calendar developed by the Ngan’gi people of the Northern Territory in collaboboration with CSIRO. The resource contains an introduction, a richly illustrated calendar and related links. The introduction includes information about the people’s wish to document traditional knowledge of their Daly River ...