Science and technology workshop materials

These past workshop notes are intended to provide a useful resource for primary and secondary teachers in science. Please contact us to let us know how your students enjoy the different activities provided.

These workshop presentations and activity sheets are from the professional development programs held in Rockhampton and Gladstone.

Stoichiometry

The theory of chemistry often seems dry and abstract, sometimes causing students to have difficulties understanding it and reducing their motivation to study chemistry. In this presentation, Dr Madeleine Schultz endeavours to bridge the gap between the theory taught in chemistry classes and some of its practical consequences. Some fundamental topics are covered including stoichiometry, synthesis, separation and spectroscopy. Examples are taken from a variety of contexts including environmental, biological and domestic chemistry.

Dr Schultz addresses the gap between chemistry and other scientific disciplines. "It is often said that chemistry is the central science, having interfaces with physics on the atomic scale and biology on the macromolecular scale." In this presentation Dr Schultz illustrates these interfaces and shows how an understanding of chemistry can lead in many directions.

Presentation on stoichiometry by Dr Madeleine Schultz (PDF file, 265.19 KB)

Stoichiometry workshop activities

Workshop activity Year level Description Worksheets
Lolly stoichiometry 10-12 Students use lollies to build different objects and determine reactants and products used.
Understanding the mole concept 10-12 Use one mole samples of salt, water, bi-carb, copper sulphate, carbon and sugar to estimate how many moles of each substance are present in mystery samples.
Determining the molar mass of butane 11-12 Determine the molar mass of butane using a lighter, graduated cylinder and water and by measuring air temperature, water temperature and barometric pressure.
Using stoichiometry to make the perfect sherbet 11-12 Students use their sense of taste to determine whether they have made the perfect sherbet, then use stoichiometry to calculate the best formula for making sherbet.
Balloon Stoichiometry 5-9 Mixing vinegar and baking soda and watching the effects of the reaction in blowing up a balloon.
Visualising Limiting Reactants 8-10 Mixing hydrogen peroxide, sulphuric acid and potassium permanganate and observing the chemical reaction.

Polymers

Polymers are with us every day as plastics, rubbers, textiles and are being used in more specialized areas such as medicine, industry, agriculture and defence where their performance in often extreme environments is vitally important.

In this presentation, Professor Graeme George shows how we can understand the simple scientific principles that govern the properties that polymers have and why different plastics and composite materials are chosen for these applications. Simple tests can be used to identify the chemical composition of polymers and these can be used to build an understanding of the way polymers perform and also how they may fail when in extreme environments.

Some topics covered include:

  • the relationship between chemistry, physics and engineering properties of polymers
  • why polymers fail and how to prevent it
  • polymers in the body: medical implants
  • plastics for agriculture: crop propagation and water conservation
  • fibre reinforced composites: high performance materials for aircraft and industry.

Presentation on polymers by Professor Graeme George (PDF file, 701.26 KB)

Polymer workshop activities

Workshop Activity Year level Description Worksheets
Alginate worms 5-10 Explore the properties of polymers to make your own alginate worms.
Slime investigation 5-10 Make slime using PVA and Borax.
Identifying polymers 5-12 Use an identification flow chart to identify 6 categories of recyclable plastics.
Killing slime 11-12 Make slime using PVA and Borax then destroy the slime using sulphuric acid, observing pH and colour changes, then reconstitute the slime using sodium hydroxide.
Making paint 5-10 Students will:
  • make tempura paint using egg yolk, water and pigments
  • observe properties of the paint similar to a polymer.
Polymer encapsulation 11-12 Students will:
  • create polymer microspheres using calcium chloride and gaviscon
  • observe how a solution can move through this barrier.
Tensile testing 5-12 Students will:
  • use tensile testing to test the strength of different materials expose the materials to different conditions, and observe changes in tensile strength
  • use stress/strain curves to plot results and calculate modulus.

Cell biology

It starts with a single cell. The first cell splits to become two and the two become four and so. After just 47 doublings you have approximately 10,000 trillion cells in your body. Most living cells seldom last more than a month or so (with the exception of liver brain cells). Our cells are continuously dividing, multiplying and dying when no longer needed. But what happens when a cell doesn't die? This is when normal cells turn cancerous.

In this presentation, Dr Lisa Chopin will show how we can understand the structure and function of normal cells and the processes by which normal cells can turn cancerous. Dr Chopin talks about her group's research and the role of specific hormones on these cancer cell processes in breast and prostate cancer. These cancers are very common in Australia. By understanding how hormones affect cancer growth they hope to find new ways of treating these cancers.

Some topics covered include:

  • characteristics of normal cells versus cancer cells
  • diseases cause by cancer cells
  • migration of tumour cells
  • the role of hormones in cancer cells.

Presentation on cell biology by Dr Lisa Chopin (PDF file, 1582.34 KB)

Cell biology workshop activities

Workshop Activity Year level Description Worksheets
Good cells gone bad 11-12 Students identify the structure and function of a "normal cell" versus a "cancer cell" by constructing one of each based on different characteristics.
Electromicrographs: Comparison of cells 6-12 Use electromicrographs of animal, plant and bacteria cells to identify and compare cell structure and organelles.
DNA extractions 5-10 Students extract DNA from onion, cheek cells, peas or wheatgerm.
Apple cells: structure and plasmolysis 11-12 Observe apple cells under the microscope to identify structure and function of plant cells and observe the process of plasmolysis.
Cancer growth in plants 11-12 Students will:
  • use laboratory techniques to infect a carrot with a tumour producing bacterium
  • after 2 weeks observe the changes under the microscope.
Fuggles: Trait inheritance 11-12 Students will:
  • create their own fuggles based on genetic coding
  • explore the possibilities of trait inheritance when you procreate with other fuggles in the class.
Is yeast alive? 5-9 Test whether yeast can metabolise sugar and produce gas.
Make a cell membrane 5-12 Use cooking oil, egg and water to make a membrane similar to cell membranes within the human body.
Making mucus 5-7 Students discover what makes our mucus sticky and what purpose this serves.
Movement through membranes 5-12 Use an egg membrane to discover which substances can move through a semi–permeable membrane.
Osmosis through a bag 5-12 Demonstrate osmosis and diffusion through a membrane using a plastic bag.
Plant cells and osmosis 11-12 Observe changes to elodea under a microscope when exposed to a salt solution.
The incredible, edible cell 5-9 Students learn about cell structure and organelles by making their own cell out of jelly and lollies.

Discovering wave energy: light and sound

Energy can be transferred in many ways including wave energy. Waves can carry a little energy or a lot. They can be short or long. They can be rare or frequent. They can travel fast or slow.

Sound and light are often used in describing the characteristics of wave energy. Although both are forms of wave motion, there are distinct differences in how these waves actually travel. For example sound requires a solid, liquid, or gaseous medium; whereas light travels through empty space. The denser the medium, the greater the speed of sound. The opposite is true of light. Light travels approximately one–third slower in water than in air. Sound travels through all substances, but light cannot pass through opaque materials.

By understanding the different characteristics of wave energy, we can use light and sound for many specific purposes.

Some topics covered include:

  • characteristics of transverse and longitudinal waves
  • relationship between speed and wavelength
  • analysis of reflection, refraction, diffraction
  • analysis of interference, eg. Standing waves, air columns, strings and light, using the formulas for path difference, constructive and destructive
  • algebraic, graphical and diagrammatic analysis of light using lenses and mirrors.

Presentation on light and energy by Gillian Isoardi (PDF file, 1544.25 KB)

Light and sound workshop activities

Workshop Activity Year level Description Worksheets
What makes a sunset? 5-7 Students will identify the order of colours in the spectrum and their different wavelengths and gain an understanding of the spectrum of visible light.
Detecting ultraviolet light 5-9 Compare water and tonic water and discover that the quinine in tonic water detects ultraviolet light. Use this to test the effectiveness of sunscreen.
Fibre optics with gelatine 5-7 Students make their own gelatine then investigate use of internal reflection in telecommunications.
Seeing sound waves 5-7 Students undertake three different experiments that demonstrate how sound travels.
Make a periscope 5-7 Investigate the use of mirrors and light reflection in a periscope.
Optics: Light and lenses 5-7 Develop a basic understanding of how the eye works through making a pinhole camera and experimenting with a glass bottle lens.
Investigate light sources with a spectrometer 5-7 Students make their own spectrometer using a blank CD and cereal box. They then discover different spectrums produced by different light sources.
Sound travel 5-7 In this experiment students investigate the differences in light and sound travel.
Measuring wavelengths of light 8-12 Use diffraction grating and diffraction angle to calculate wavelengths of light. Recognise differing wavelengths in the light spectrum to predict calculations.
Investigating the Doppler effect 8-12 Students investigate the relationship between frequency and wavelength and the Doppler effect, and calculate speed and pitch using algebraic equations.
Node play 8-12 Demonstrate sound interference - constructive and destructive - and identify nodes (minima) and antinodes (maxima).
Create fibre optics using gelatine 8-12 Demonstrate total internal reflection and the transmission of light through a fibre.
Making a refractometer 11-12 Make a liquid lens then calculate focal point using different liquids.
Eye model 11-12 Students simulate the lens of an eye and determine corrective lenses needed to correct for myopic and hyperopia.
Calculating the speed of light 8-12 Melt marshmallows in the microwave to calculate the speed of light.

Science behind the spectacular

Learning about science can be intriguing; learning about the scientists behind the science can be fascinating. In this presentation Angela links great discoveries in science with real–world people, situations, actions and applications. Angela demonstrates how to present science in a way that relates to issues of personal and social significance aimed at better engaging students in science.

This presentation includes examples of scientists in history as well as recent scientific discoveries. Angela also demonstrates teaching techniques including the POE model and using "teasers" to generate thought and scientific thinking within a classroom.

Science behind the spectacular workshop activities

Workshop Activity Year level Description Worksheets
Dry ice experiments 5-10 Discover experiments using the solid form of Carbon dioxide including dry ice turning into gas; floating bubbles; bubbling over and creating a super cold solution.
Mentos geyser 5-7 Use mentos to break the linkage of water molecules tightly meshed around bubbles of carbon dioxide to release the gas out of the bottle in a spectacular explosion.
Cornstarch creatures 5-7 Students will:
  • make a cornstarch and water mixture that can act both as a solid and a liquid just like quicksand
  • explore the non–Newtonian properties of this liquid.
The Imploding Can 5-9 Students will use physics of air pressure and a partial vacuum to crush a can in a spectacular way.
Egg in a bottle 5-7 Students will take part in a classic science experiment where they will:
  • create a partial vacuum in a bottle to increase the pressure of air molecules outside the bottle forcing an egg to "pop" inside the bottle
  • use heat to watch the egg remove itself from the bottle.
Creating an air head 5-7 Students use their understanding of partial vacuums to create an air head with plastic cups and a balloon.
Flying teabags 5-9 Demonstrate the principles of air molecules and the effects of temperature as students cause a teabag to take flight.
Relighting candles 5-9 Use the particle model to explain solids, liquids and gases and how this relates to the elements of fire.
Tricks with liquid density 5-7 Use the densities and masses of seven different liquids to create an impressive layered column of colours. Students also use the principles of density to perform an amazing trick.
Surface tension illusions 5-7 Develop an understanding of water molecules and surface tension and the effects of detergent to create a speed boat and pepper panic illusions.
Elephant's toothpaste 11-12 Understand the processes involved in a chemical reaction in order to make a spectacular eruption of foam.
Investigations using liquid nitrogen 11-12 Use liquid nitrogen to understand materials science, electricity and conduction and the influence of nitrogen gas.
Reduced pressure boiling 11-12 Develop an understanding of boiling point and atmospheric pressure and demonstrate water boiling at 50 - 100 degrees celcius.
Blue bottle experiment 11-12 Mix Potassium hydroxide, oxygen and dextrose to demonstrate a redox reaction.
Rod climbing polymer 11-12 Investigate the properties of a polymer solution.
Large scale pop test 11-12 Fill a balloon with hydrogen from a solution of sodium hydroxide and aluminium foil. Watch the hydrogen pop in a spectacular explosion.
Hot ice 11-12 Make a solution from sodium acetate and watch how it instantly crystallizes to form "hot ice".

It's a micro world after all

This workshop looks at the micro world of organisms. The planet is surrounded by organisms that are too small to see with the naked eye. Micro organisms make significant impacts on our world, from the diverse functions of bacteria to the affects of viruses. During the workshop we explore different types of fungi, we culture bacteria safely, we study aseptic techniques and use microscopes to identify micro organisms.

In this presentation, Dr Willa Huston will provide an introduction to understanding micro–organisms, she will explain the structure and function of micro organisms, particularly how they live, grow and affect our world. Willa will also discuss the work of modern day microbiologists and her research into infectious diseases, particularly cutting edge research in Chlamydia and Legionella.

Presentation on marvelous micro-organisms by Dr Willa Huston (PDF file, 1340.24 KB)

Microbiology workshop activities

Workshop Activity Year level Description Worksheets
Nutrient jelly 5-9 Create your own agar jelly and then practice inoculating the plates. Finally investigate some results of inoculation.
Looking at spores 5-7 A simple activity to demonstrate that fungi contain spores.
Sourdough starter 5-8 Instructions for creating your own sourdough starter.
Yeast killers 5-8 An investigation into the micro-organism of yeast and what will it need to survive and grow and what will kill the yeast.
What deters mould? 5-8 Growing mould on bread and investigating what products are mould deterrents.
Simple microscopy 5-7 Using a hand lens and practising scientific drawing
Using microscopes 5-9 Investigating how to use a microscope, how to set up slides and a few activities to practise your technique.
Infectious diseases 5-12 A fun way to see transmission of germs/pathogens.
Chemical agents 10-12 Test the effectiveness of disinfectants and antiseptics.
Micro jive 10-12 Watch how bacteria and yeast move.
Microbes at work 10-12 Collect and test enzymes.
Pathogen identification 10-12 Practise a technique for disease diagnosis.
How big is a microbe? 10-12 Investigating and comparing the size of micro-organisms using a scale.
The denim look 10-12 Utilising enzymes produced by microbes for industrial purposes.
Microbe images 5-12 Images for use in comparing living things.
Recommended reference 5-12 Recommended safety procedures

The star of the show: astronomy

Astronomy is a science where people, young and old, can engage with the natural world. Galileo first invented the telescope 400 years ago. Since then many technological and scientific skills have continued to challenge and shape our view of our universe.

Dr Stephen Hughes expertise lies in Astronomy and has a strong interest in astronomy education. He is the Chair of the Astronomical Society of Australia´s Education and Public Outreach Committee. He will provide an introduction to finding objects in the night sky, using the naked eye as well as using telescopes. His presentation will focus on fascinating facts about the universe, constellations and our sun.

Activities in this workshop will investigate the sun, moon, light and other features of our solar system. We will also present methods to help measure astronomical investigations and create tools to use in your classrooms. Experience hands–on practical activities and science that will impress your student.

Presentation on astronomy in the classroom by Dr Stephen Hughes (PDF file, 2003.38 KB)


Article on astronomy activities for the classroom by Dr Stephen Hughes (PDF file, 296.15 KB)


Article on "Stellaruim - a valuable resource for teaching astronomy in the classroom and beyond" by Dr Stephen Hughes (PDF file, 683.21 KB)

Astronomy workshop activities

Workshop Activity Year level Description Worksheets
Sun rotation and tilt 5-8 Models are used to explain how earth's rotations cause day and night.
Sky measuring 5-7 To measure the angular distance between celestial bodies using your hands.
What makes a sunset 5-7 Investigating how the sun's light is altered through the atmosphere and identify the order of colours in the spectrum and their different wavelengths.
Create your own astrolabe 5-9 Create an astrolabe to measure the altitude of celestial bodies.
Measuring speed of light 8-12 An experiment to determine the speed of electromagnetic radiation.
Investigating light sources 8-12 Students will:
  • make their own spectrometer using a blank CD and cereal box
  • discover different spectrums produced by different light sources.
Creating a sundial 5-8 Create a sundial to measure time
Measuring wavelengths of light 8-12 Students will:
  • use diffraction grating and diffraction angle to calculate wavelengths of light
  • recognise differing wavelengths in the light spectrum to predict calculations.
Measuring the sun 8-12 Calculate the diameter of the sun using a technique from early astronomers.
Make your own telescope 8-12 Build your own refracting telescope.
Detecting infrared 8-12 Detect infrared light by listening through a speaker.
Cosmic radio 10-12 Creating radio waves using a battery.

Bust a myth

Myths have been around for centuries and they continue to apart of society today. Many theories are thrown around as if they are factual and turn into urban myths. This workshop provides an opportunity to investigate a number of these myths and investigate whether these myths can be deemed "busted, confirmed or plausible" or perhaps inconclusive! The workshop will have practical, hands–on activities that you will be able to use back in you classroom. In these activities you will hypothesis, plan, design, test, modify and communicate with your peers to determine an outcome for the myth. This will be inquiry based learning at its best!

The presentation analyses MythBusters' episodes and how they relate to scientific method.

Presentation on bust a myth (PDF file, 508.43 KB)

Bust a myth workshop activities

Workshop Activity Year level Description Worksheets
Yawning is contagious 5-12 Groups will be observed to discover what effect induced yawning has on the number of yawns in the group.
Water will spin down a drain clockwise in the southern hemisphere 5-12 Filling sinks with water and observing which way the water spins as it drains.
Water boils at a lower temperature at higher altitudes 8-12 Develop an understanding of boiling point and atmospheric pressure and demonstrate water boiling at 50 - 60 degrees celcius.
An aluminium can is able to hold the weight of a human 5-12 Balancing weights at intervals on top of an empty can until it crushes.
Spies use invisible ink to send secret messages 5-12 Techniques for writing and revealing invisible messages using acid–base and precipitation reactions.
Cola will rot your teeth 5-12 Immersing teeth in cola over a period of time and weighing the results
When toast is dropped it will always land butter side down 5-12 Toasting bread and pushing it off benches of varying heights.
A teaspoon left in the top of a champagne bottle will keep it room going flat 10-12 Analysing the amount of carbonic acid present in champagne under different conditions.
Two objects of different weights dropped from the same height will hit the ground at the same time 5-12 Dropping balloons filled with varying volumes of water from the same height and videoing the results.
Mobile phone radiation can pop popcorn 8-12 As mobile phones are facing popcorn kernels, the phones a called and the results are observed
Does chewing gum dissolve? 5-12 Creating a simulated stomach acid and observing the effects of stomach acid on chewing gum.
Tapping the side of a soft drink can will prevent its contents from foaming over when you open it 5-12 Comparing the amount of liquid which escapes a shaken can to the amount which escapes after tapping the can
Helium balloons can lift a human 5-12 Determining the mass that can be lifted by helium balloons