This online resource investigates the potential damage done by earthquakes.
The resource gives instructions on how to build miniature models of cities out of common kitchen ingredients to test various structures against simulated earthquakes.
The cities are built using sugar, bouillon and gelatin cubes. They are then put through simulated earthquakes to see which cube structures withstand the shaking movements the best.
This online resource gives details on how construct an anemometer.
It gives details on how students can create their own anemometers—instruments for measuring wind speed—using household items.
The students can then see how an anemometer measures wind speed by taking measurements at various school locations.
They can also learn about different types of anemometers, real-world applications for anemometers, and how wind speed information helps engineers decide where to place wind turbines.
This activity guide looks at how to quantify photosynthesis.
The resource details a hands-on activity in which students learn a simple technique for quantifying the amount of photosynthesis that occurs in a given period of time.
In this activity, students use this technique to compare the amounts of photosynthesis that occur under low and high light levels. However, before they begin the experiment, students are asked to come up with a well-worded hypothesis to be tested.
This online resource shows how pH levels can be used to measure the respiration of cells.
In this activity, students use a simple pH indicator to measure how much CO2 is produced during respiration, at rest and after exercising. They begin by comparing some common household solutions in order to determine the colour change of the indicator. They then review the concepts of pH and respiration and extend their knowledge to measuring the effectiveness of bioremediation in the environment.
Engineering Connection
This online resource explores the concept of unbalanced forces.
The resource provides instructions for a student activity that explores the concept of unbalanced forces through the creation of a model skydiver.
Students make a skydiver and parachute contraption to demonstrate how drag caused by air resistance slows the descent of skydivers as they travel back to Earth. Gravity pulls the skydiver toward the Earth, while the air trapped by the parachute provides an upward resisting force (drag) on the skydiver.
Engineering Connection
This online resource explores energy transformation within physical systems.
The resource gives details for a student activity that explores energy transformation within physical systems through the process of designing and building a model roller coaster.
This online resource looks at environmental sustainability.
The resource introduces students to the difficulties fishermen experience while trying to target individual species.
Commercial fishing nets often trap "unprofitable" animals in the process of catching target species. In this activity, students experience the difficulty that fishermen experience while trying to isolate a target species when a variety of sea animals are found in the area of interest.
This online resource helps develop an understanding of the properties of gases.
The resource details some simple experiments to help students develop an understanding of the properties of the mixture of gases they are most familiar with: the air around us.
By watching and performing these several simple experiments, students gain an understanding of the following properties of air: it has mass, it takes up space, it can move, it exerts pressure, it can do work.
In this online resource, students are introduced to pH indicators.
The resource covers the differences between acids and bases and how to use indicators, such as pH paper and red cabbage juice, can be used to distinguish between them.
This web page concentrates on why it is important for engineers to understand acids and bases.
Because this was designed for younger-year levels, the language is appropriate for those struggling with literacy.
Worksheets and possible extension activities are also available.
This online resource teaches students about their eyesight.
The resource deals with how a person's eyesight is measured and the technologies involved.
Students also determine how good their own eyesight is and then calculate the average eyesight value for the class.
They also learn about technologies to enhance eyesight and how engineers play an important role in the development of these technologies.
Australian Curriculum v9 Codes: AC9S9U04 (Year 9)
