LEARNING STRATEGY

Science in the news

Description
This professional learning resource provides illustrations of how real-world examples of the
application of science can be incorporated into teaching practice. For this learning strategy,
science articles provide stimulus materials for developing students' understanding of important
science concepts and processes related to energy and matter flows in ecosystems. Students
can discover and explore, in a relevant context, the practices used to develop scientific
knowledge, appreciate science's contribution to our culture and society, and consider its
applications in our lives.

Year levels
5-9

Strands
Science Understanding / Science Inquiry Skills / Science as a Human Endeavour

Concepts
The key concepts covered are those contained within the exemplars and associated structured
learning sequences. The key concepts are drawn from the concept maps R11995 Flow of
energy in ecosystems and R11996 Flow of matter in ecosystems.

NOVA Science in the news

NOVA Science in the news is an online collection of science articles published by the Australian
Academy of Science. It can be accessed at http://www.science.org.au/nova.

The purpose of including NOVA Science in the news as a resource for this teaching strategy is
to support the following aspect of the Australian Curriculum rationale for science:
Science provides opportunities for students to develop an understanding of important science
concepts and processes, the practices used to develop scientific knowledge, of science's
contribution to our culture and society, and its applications in our lives. The curriculum supports
students to develop the scientific knowledge, understandings and skills to make informed decisions
about local, national and global issues and to participate, if they so wish, in science-related careers.
[http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/Science/Rationale accessed 18 March 2011]

© Education Services Australia Ltd, 2011, except where indicated under Acknowledgements. You may use, download and
reproduce this material free of charge for non-commercial educational purposes provided you retain all acknowledgements
associated with the material. 1
In this instance:
 the concepts and processes are those related to Flow of energy in ecosystems and Flow of
matter in ecosystems
 the opportunities provided are intended to support students develop an understanding of real-
world applications of science related to these concepts.

The NOVA Science in the news articles also provide opportunities to support the development
of informed decision-making skills about local, national and global issues.

Exemplar topics and Science in the news

The following list provides the title of each exemplar (and associated structured sequence of
learning). An example of a supporting article from Science in the news is provided that matches
a topic within each exemplar. A brief summary of the content of the article is also provided.

1 Energy flow in a grassland ecosystem

Science in the news article: Weeds – the real alien invaders

Link to article: http://www.science.org.au/nova/099/099key.htm

Topic: Species distribution

Brief summary of article content:

Weeds endanger the biodiversity of Australia's ecosystems. By outcompeting native plant
species, weeds threaten their survival, and so have consequences for the animals that rely on
them. Almost every kind of native ecosystem is affected by introduced plants, from oceans and
waterways to rainforests, grasslands and deserts. Some methods of controlling weeds are
outlined.

2 Energy to survive, move and grow

Science in the news article: Impact of global warming on biodiversity

Link to article: http://www.science.org.au/nova/099/099key.htm

Topic: Food availability

Brief summary of article content:

Climate change could have dramatic effects on a wide range of Australian plants and animals.
The mountain pygmy possum is directly affected as it relies on snow cover for insulation in
alpine regions. The mountain pygmy possum is particularly vulnerable to a loss of habitat (and
therefore also associated food sources). Action plans for recovery of some threatened species
are mentioned.

© Education Services Australia Ltd, 2011, except where indicated under Acknowledgements. You may use, download and
reproduce this material free of charge for non-commercial educational purposes provided you retain all acknowledgements
associated with the material. 2
3 Plants that convert the Sun's energy
Science in the news article: Toxic algal blooms – a sign of rivers under stress

Link to article: http://www.science.org.au/nova/017/017key.htm

Topic: Cyanobacteria and photosynthesis in an aquatic ecosystem

Brief summary of article content:

Cyanobacteria (also known as 'blue-green algae') occur in freshwater environments. When
large quantities of nutrients are available, the algae rapidly reproduce, creating a 'bloom'. Some
species of blue-green algae produce toxins that can be fatal to animals including humans. When
the blooms decompose, large quantities of oxygen are consumed. The lack of oxygen can lead
to the death of fish and other animals. Research is continuing on ways to combat the problem,
but public awareness is also need to prevent nutrients entering waterways.

4 Sustaining an ecosystem
Science in the news article: Coral bleaching – will global warming kill the reefs?

Link to article: http://www.science.org.au/nova/076/076key.htm

Topic: Relationships: commensalism, symbiosis and parasitism

Brief summary of article content:

Corals are animals and consist of a limestone structure filled with polyps. Polyps have a
symbiotic relationship with algae that live within each polyp. The algae consume the nitrogen
wastes from coral. The algae are photosynthetic and produce glucose, providing the coral with
most of its food. The algae give the coral its colours. When temperatures increase, there is a
build-up of chemicals in the algae and they are ejected by the coral, leaving it bleached of
colour. The creation of marine parks can help to protect coral.

5 Photosynthesis and respiration

Science in the news article: The Southern Ocean and global climate

Link to article: http://www.science.org.au/nova/018/018key.htm

Topic: The carbon cycle

Brief summary of article content

The Southern Ocean has one of the largest ocean currents: the Antarctic Circumpolar Current.
This current influences Earth's climate. Surface waters in this ocean are dense enough to sink
into the deep sea. These waters absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and, by sinking
into the deep, they pump it out of the atmosphere. Understanding global circulation and the
conditions under which carbon sinks are created can assist in estimating the extent of climate
change.

© Education Services Australia Ltd, 2011, except where indicated under Acknowledgements. You may use, download and
reproduce this material free of charge for non-commercial educational purposes provided you retain all acknowledgements
associated with the material. 3
6 Chemical reactions and organic compounds
Science in the news article: Making packaging greener – biodegradable plastics

Link to article: http://www.science.org.au/nova/061/061print.htm

Topic: Investigating starch in plants

Brief summary of article content:

Traditional plastics are not biodegradable because their long polymer molecules are not readily
broken down by decomposers. Plastics derived from natural plant polymers using wheat or corn
starch can be broken down. Starch can be processed directly into a bioplastic, but it is soluble in
water so it is first converted to another polymer. Plastics made from plant materials have been
available for many years, but their uptake has been slow as they are more expensive than
traditional plastics. Issues related to the wider uptake of biodegradable products – and how
these might be addressed – are considered.

7 Structure and function: animals and plants

Science in the news article: Prions – morphing agents of disease

Link to article: http://www.science.org.au/nova/003/003key.htm

Topic: Digestion and absorption

Brief summary of article content:

Mad cow disease is a fatal condition affecting the nervous system of cattle. In an affected
animal, the brain develops tiny holes. The animal loses control over its movements and its
behaviour changes. There was an outbreak of this disease Britain after cattle were fed a protein
supplement made from offal of cattle and sheep. The cause of the disease was found to be
prions. Prions are protein chains, folded in an abnormal way. Prions are strong and resistant to
digestion.

More about Science in the news

Each NOVA article has a series of tabs linking to the key text of the article, a glossary of terms
directly related to the article, and activities including some interactives and worksheets. There is
also a tab to a further reading list containing related articles from other science journals. A useful
sites tab leads to more links to resources, including some newspaper articles.

The Science in the news website, http://www.science.org.au/nova, also has a search button
enabling users to find the latest NOVA topics. It is noted that new topics are posted regularly,
and it is possible to register to receive announcements by email. The 'Back to basics' icon
denotes links within the NOVA site that provide an introduction to basic science concepts,
including energy. There is also a topic list and keyword index.

© Education Services Australia Ltd, 2011, except where indicated under Acknowledgements. You may use, download and
reproduce this material free of charge for non-commercial educational purposes provided you retain all acknowledgements
associated with the material. 4
Disclaimer
Please note that the material in this Learning strategy may contain links to internet sites
maintained by entities not connected to Education Services Australia Ltd and that it does not
control (‘Sites’).

Education Services Australia Ltd:

 provides the links for ease of reference only and it does not sponsor, sanction or approve of
any material contained on the Sites
 does not make any warranties or representations as to, and will not be liable for, the accuracy
or any other aspect of the material on the Sites or any other matter connected to the use of
the Sites.

© Education Services Australia Ltd, 2011, except where indicated under Acknowledgements. You may use, download and
reproduce this material free of charge for non-commercial educational purposes provided you retain all acknowledgements
associated with the material. 5