Year 5, Term 1: BiochemistryFocus: SustainabilityScope and sequence: Sustainability |
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Learning
intention: Students
explain how food and fibre are produced sustainably in
managed environments for health and nutrition.
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NSW Syllabus
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Australian Curriculum
(version 9.0)
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"A student explains how food and
fibre are produced sustainably in managed environments for
health and nutrition." (ST3-5LW-T)
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"Students learn to examine how
particular structural features and behaviours of living things
enable their survival in specific habitats." (AC9S5U01)
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Introduction to the topic
Biochemistry explores chemical processes related to living organisms. Biochemists study the chemical reactions, structure and composition of substances in living things including their functions and ways to control them.
This video (3:49) by Frank Gregorio provides a vivid introduction to biochemistry.
Chemical reactions
The following video (7:56) presents six chemical reactions
that changed history. They are all interesting but notice what is
number one and how this is related to agriculture.
The science of losing weight
In this video (6:49), Ruben Meerman looks at the science of losing weight and answers the question, "Where does fat go?"
DNA
In this experiment you can extract your own DNA. The following video (1:17) shows how to do this using common household chemicals.
Diffusion
Diffusion is the movement of a substance from an
area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. The
word ‘diffusion’ derives from the Latin word, diffundere, which
means 'to spread out'. The following video (1:53) is an experiment
using warm water and Skittles.
States of matter
Revision of variables
Capillary action
Capillary action is the process of a liquid flowing in a narrow space, often in opposition to gravity. This is an important process as it enables water and nutrients to reach the various parts of trees and plants. The following video (2:43) is a simple experiment which demonstrates capillary action using paper towel, water and food colouring. More information about this experiment can be found at https://www.woojr.com/6-easy-biology-science-experiments-kids/.
Indigenous agricultural knowledge
This video (4:42) featuring Fran Bodkin and Bruce Pascoe
shows how Indigenous people have been working with the land
for thousands of years.
Discussion: Look at the four elements of scientific
traditions listed below and their origins. Should any of these
items be favoured above another or are they all important and
complementary?
United Nations
Explore the Sustainable Development Goals from the United Nations (https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/).
https://australiancurriculum.edu.au/resources/curriculum-connections/portfolios/food-and-fibre/