Science Inquiry Skills
- identify, research and construct questions for investigation; propose hypotheses; and predict possible outcomes
- design investigations, including the procedure(s) to be followed, the materials required, and the type and amount of primary and/or secondary data to be collected; conduct risk assessments; and consider research ethics, including animal ethics
- conduct investigations, including water sampling, safely, competently and methodically for the collection of valid and reliable data
- represent data in meaningful and useful ways, including the use of mean, median, range and probability; organise and analyse data to identify trends, patterns and relationships; discuss the ways in which measurement error, instrumental accuracy, the nature of the procedure and the sample size may influence uncertainty and limitations in data; and select, synthesise and use evidence to make and justify conclusions
- interpret a range of scientific and media texts, and evaluate models, processes, claims and conclusions by considering the quality of available evidence, and use reasoning to construct scientific arguments
- select, construct and use appropriate representations, including biomass pyramids and life cycle diagrams to communicate conceptual understanding, solve problems and make predictions
- select, construct and use appropriate representations, including models of the enhanced greenhouse effect, to communicate conceptual understanding, solve problems and make predictions
- communicate to specific audiences, and for specific purposes, using appropriate language, nomenclature, genres and modes, including scientific reports.
Science as Human Endeavour
- ocean warming and increasing stratification will result in major changes in phytoplankton abundance, distribution and seasonal fluctuations. The Australian Continuous Plankton Recorder (AusCPR) survey observes plankton along several routes on board ships of opportunity and collects a wide variety of data. Data from the AusCPR survey and other CPR surveys, is contributing to global databases. This data is being used to inform research, conservation and marine environmental management strategies
- biosecurity is increasingly an issue of state and national concern. Introduced marine species (pests) and diseases pose a huge threat to Australia’s marine environment. Biosecurity initiatives, including the National System for the Prevention and Management of Marine Pest Incursions (the National System), aims to prevent new pests arriving, guide responses when a new pest does arrive, and minimise the spread and impact of pests already established
- in recent decades advances in science have provided new ways to locate and conserve the artefacts that are found in maritime archaeological sites
- maritime communication systems, including underwater hand signals, are based on international conventions and are subject to change through debate and resolution
- a world-wide sighting and photo-identification system has been created which enables people to act as citizen scientists, assisting in the conservation of whale sharks and enhancing knowledge of the demographics of this species. The demographics of whale sharks can serve as an indication of ocean health and bio-productivity. The technology, which was developed collaboratively by a multidisciplinary team of scientists, can also potentially be used to identify other marine species
- artificial reefs may be designed to assist in coastal protection and can also provide benefits to a number of different groups within the community. The benefits need to be offset against detrimental impacts to local marine ecology when the artificial reef is first introduced. Their potential to become havens for marine life in the future, resulting in increased abundance and diversity in the region, is also considered
- snorkelling and diving requires knowledge of the behaviour of gases, with reference to volume and pressure. In particular, divers should understand how the volume of a gas varies with the surrounding pressure in order to prevent barotraumas. Diving equipment is designed to enhance the safety and comfort of the user and reduce the risk of dealing with gases. Materials are chosen, and equipment designed, to improve efficiency and safety.
Writing a Laboratory Report
Acknowledgement: Miss Nicola Ross, the author of "Writing Laboratory Reports," for permission to use in this Course Companion.
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