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Listed under:  Science  >  Matter  >  Properties of matter
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How to Make Perfect Popcron

This informative digital text about how to make popcorn is for teachers to read aloud to students. The instructions use text and images to list the equipment needed and the steps involved in making popcorn. The resource includes a teaching sequence related to the Big Six components of literacy development (oral language, ...

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How does water change?

In this lesson, students explore the properties of water using their senses. This activity is useful as a quick introduction to the topic

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Bubbles

This activity invites students to explore the phenomena of bubbles and investigate the question, 'What happens when you blow a lot of bubbles?' Students blow dome-shaped bubbles on a flat surface to investigate the properties of bubbles and combinations of bubbles. The activity is designed for use at home or in a classroom ...

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Material world – Stage 2

In this lesson sequence, students investigate how different properties of materials affect their suitability for products. They will develop their knowledge and understanding of the properties and performance of a variety of materials through observation and manipulation. They have the opportunity to design and make an ...

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Material world – ES1

In this lesson sequence, students investigate how the properties of materials determine their use in design solutions while introducing students to the material sciences and design thinking. Student investigate, plan and design a chair for their favourite teddy or doll to sit next to them while they are completing their ...

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Material world – Stage 1

In this lesson sequence, students investigate how properties of materials determine their use. Students identify a range of natural materials used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples for a specific cultural purpose. There is an optional ‘maker hour’ for students to produce, implement, test and evaluate a shelter ...

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Atoms of Fire: What makes salt and sugar so different?

Have you ever accidentally sprinkled sugar on your dinner or spooned salt into your coffee? Those white crystals might look the same but they taste very different because they are made of different kinds of atoms bonded in different ways. Discover how chemists identify what kinds of atoms a compound is made of, then find ...

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For the Juniors: Picking and processing fresh apples

Discover the story of apples, from picking and pressing to processing in a factory. Learn how juice, cider and vinegar are made from apples. See how many other things are made from apples.

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Graphene: The new wonder material

Graphene is perhaps the most significant new material produced in recent years. It has many potential applications in electrical devices, biomedical technology and solar energy. Graphene is a form (allotrope) of carbon with some special chemical and physical properties. Watch this clip to explore the molecular structure, ...

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Can We Help?: Exploring nanotechnology

Peter Binks, CEO of Nanotechnology Victoria, answers the question 'How does nanotechnology work?' Discover what nanotechnology is and see several examples in action, such as scratch-resistant paint used in the car industry. Consider future applications of nanotechnology in areas such as sports, health care, clothing and cleaning.

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Dyeing with red cabbage!

Many natural products, such as red cabbage and turmeric, can be used as a natural source of colour to dye fibres. Watch the dyeing demonstration in this clip to see how. Discover the chemistry of natural dyes, including the bonding properties of different pigments and how acid-base reactions can alter the colour of pH-sensitive ...

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Elliot and the Surfing Scientist: Implode a soft drink can using an invisible force

Can you imagine being able to crush a can without hitting or squashing it? Watch as Ruben the Surfing Scientist shows you how this can be done. Listen to Ruben explain the science behind the imploding can and find out what invisible force is involved.

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BTN: Daily bread

Do you eat bread? How often? Discover why bread has been important for human survival for thousands of years. Find out how to find the healthiest types of bread to eat. See how you can make your own bread at home.

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Elliot and the Surfing Scientist: Hydrogen and its properties

Imagine the possibilities if we could turn the most abundant element in the universe into a source of fuel. Watch as the Surfing Scientist, Ruben Meerman, investigates the properties of hydrogen and then demonstrates its potential as a fuel when he sets fire to hydrogen-filled soap bubbles.

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For the Juniors: How planes take off and fly

A modern jet aeroplane is big and heavy, so how does it fly? In this clip we explain how the wing shape helps a plane to take off and fly. Also see how a plane's jet engine works. Is it all a load of hot air?

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Can We Help?: Artificial eyes: how are they made?

To answer the question 'Are glass eyes really made of glass?' Peter Rowsthorn visits an ocularist who makes artificial eyes. Join him as he investigates how these eyes are made. Witness the skill of an ocularist, Jenny Geelen, as she creates an artificial eye to match Pete's existing eyes.

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Elliot and the Surfing Scientist: Get Blown Away With This Air Experiment

Substances exist in different states depending on the temperature. Watch the Surfing Scientist have a popping good time as he demonstrates this phenomenon. Don't forget to block your ears!

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Chemistry of rotten eggs, and more

Want to know if an egg is rotten, why onions bring on tears and what makes green vegetables turn brown after cooking? Watch this clip to discover the chemistry behind these and other everyday problems. Find out about the chemical reactions, compounds and elements involved, and learn some simple chemistry-inspired solutions.

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Magic tricks revealed using chemistry

Some magic tricks, such as disappearing ink or candles that won't blow out, can be explained by chemistry. In this clip, three classroom chemistry experiments demonstrate that some familiar magic tricks rely on acid-base chemical reactions, and the properties and behaviour of gases. Watch closely if you've ever wanted to ...

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Elliot and the Surfing Scientist: Pepper scatter experiment

Watch what happens in this pepper scatter experiment by Surfing Scientist, Ruben Meerman. Ruben demonstrates an important property of water, surface tension, by dipping a toothpick into water sprinkled with pepper. Find out what happens when detergent is added.