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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. ...

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Industrial design challenge – separating materials lesson

is lesson provides a great introduction to the idea of separating mixtures and enables students to consider separation as a process that operates on macroscopic levels. Students also learn about waste management and recycling processes in Australia. The lesson provides students with an opportunity to engage in hands-on ...

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Food innovation and molecular gastronomy lesson

In this lesson, students explore connections between science, design, and technologies through the lens of food innovation and food science. Students look at interesting and unusual food products, using food textures as a jumping off point to explore the relationship between chemistry and food. Students then experiment ...

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Elliot and the Surfing Scientist: Making a mobile phone disco

Have you ever wondered how sound travels? Watch Ruben Meerman, the Surfing Scientist, as he makes a mini disco using his mobile phone to discover the answer.

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Density Simulation (sk-Intel)

This resource is in the style of an 'authentic' scientific investigation. The investigation is set in a crime lab where finding the densities of the various items can solve the crime. The tool enables students to explore mass and volume for a variety of solids and liquids and hence determine their densities.

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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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Measuring Speed (Simulation)

Students use this resource consisting of a webpage with diagrams of three cars that students can vary the speed at which they are travelling. They can calculate the time to travel 3000m and then observe the cars as they travel the distance. This demonstrates how to work out the speed of a moving object and how to make calculations ...

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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 ...

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Robot biomimicry

This 9 minute video segment from Catalyst shows how inspiration from the world of animals has helped in the mechanical design of robots and adhesive materials.

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Mirrors Simulation (sk-Intel)

Students explore the reflection of light by plane mirrors and operate a simple periscope using ray diagrams.

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Electromagnetic Simulation (sk-Intel)

In this resource students explore how an electromagnet works in real life. They can then apply their learning in an electromagnetism game by changing the magnetism of a scrap lifter in a scrap yard and removing various amounts of scrap. The resource demonstrates the connection between the power applied, the number of coils ...

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For the Juniors: Making Bread in a Factory

Have you ever wondered how your sandwich bread is made? This clip shows the story of bread, beginning with flour being loaded into a truck. Watch big machines mix the dough. See your bread being baked, then packed ready for the shop.

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Seahorses

This six and a half minute video segment from Catalyst shows one of the most beautiful and bizarre creatures under the sea, the seahorse. Their highly unusual reproduction has not been sufficient to overcome the impacts of habitat destruction and human predation.

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Measuring Voltage

In this simulation students select to measure the voltage across one, two or three light bulbs in series to measure the voltage drop across one, two of three bulbs.

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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: Friction between paper experiment

Are you strong enough to pull two sheets of paper apart? What about two books with the pages intertwined? Watch this experiment performed by Ruben Meerman, the Surfing Scientist, and find out how he tests the presence of friction between pieces of paper.

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Sam the Lamb: Does wool burn?

This short entertaining video, narrated by ‘Sam the Lamb’ and 'Professors' Madeleine and Daisy test which fabrics burn easily and which fabrics are the most flame resistant. Sam and his science team test the flammability of a range of synthetic and natural fabrics including polyester, polar fleece, cotton and wool.

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Catalyst: Probability and the birthday paradox

Even when a maths problem seems simple – for example, the chance of two people sharing a birthday – the maths can run counter to our human intuition. Mathematician Lily Serna poses a maths problem to the Clovelly Bowling Club: how many people do you need to gather to get a 50 per cent chance of any two people in that group ...

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Can you guess the weight of Uluru?

What is the "wisdom of a crowd"? Mathematician Lily Serna investigates a mathematical phenomenon that suggests that if you have a large enough crowd, with a broad variety of people making estimates, then the mean (average) answer of the crowd will be accurate! Find out if a crowd can guess the weight of Uluru from the ground ...

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Elliot and the Surfing Scientist: Using a lens to bend light

How can a water-filled plastic straw be used to decode a secret message? Watch as the Surfing Scientist demonstrates how lenses with a curved surface do curious things to light.