Science Understanding
Physical Sciences
Apply the law of conservation of energy to analyse system efficiency in terms of energy inputs, outputs, transfers and transformations.
(AC9S9U05)
Elaborations:
Explaining that the law of conservation of energy explains that total energy is maintained in energy transfer and transformation in a system.
Explaining efficiency and recognising that in energy transfer and transformation a variety of processes can occur, so that the amount of usable energy is reduced and the system is not 100% efficient.
Investigating the efficiency of ground ovens used by First Nations Australians.
Comparing the efficiency of electricity generation from coal and others sources such as nuclear, hydroelectricity, gas, solar and wind.
Examining the meaning of energy star ratings given to appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines and criteria used to determine these ratings.
Science as a Human Endeavour
Nature and Development of Science
Investigate how scientific knowledge is validated and refined, including the role of publication and peer review.
(AC9S9H01)
Elaboration: Examining the scientific consensus supporting global warming.
Investigate how advances in technologies enable advances in science, and how science has contributed to developments in technologies and engineering.
(AC9S9H02)
Elaborations: 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.
Exploring how scientists and engineers make machines more energy efficient.
Use and Influence of Science
Analyse the key factors that contribute to science knowledge and practices being adopted more broadly by society.
(AC9S9H03)
Elaboration: Analysing factors that have led to the adoption of solar panels and battery storage by individuals, industries and communities.
Examine how the values and needs of society influence the focus of scientific research.
(AC9S9H04)
Elaborations: Investigating how the need to minimise greenhouse gas production has led to scientific and technological advances.
Considering innovative energy transfer devices, including those used in transport and communication.
Science Inquiry
Questioning and Predicting
Develop investigable questions, reasoned predictions and hypotheses to test relationships and develop explanatory models.
(AC9S9I01)
Elaborations: Discussing why a scientific hypothesis has to be able to be supported or refuted through evidence.
Proposing a hypothesis to test an identified relationship such as: 'If objects of different temperatures are placed in contact, heat energy will transfer from an object of higher temperature to an object of lower temperature until both objects reach the same temperature'.
Planning and Conducting
select and use equipment to generate and record data with precision to obtain useful sample sizes and replicable data, using digital tools as appropriate.
(AC9S9I03)
Processing, Modelling and Analysing
Analyse and connect a variety of data and information to identify and explain patterns, trends, relationships and anomalies.
(AC9S9I05)
Elaboration: Analysing data on heat transfer through multiple layers of an insulating material and identifying patterns and proportional relationships, such as: 'When the thickness of the material is doubled the amount of heat transferred is halved'.