PICSE Teaching Resources
Each year PICSE produces an educational resource as a collaborative effort from all of the activity centres. The PICSE team has developed a number of resources for use in pre-tertiary chemistry and biology and high school investigations these are available below or alternative you can order hardcopies of the resources by mailing the order form (under related resources) to the PICSE National Office or emailing PICSE.Admin@utas.edu.au.
Resources currently available online:
Chemistry and Biology: Interactive Lessons (2011):
Science Taking You Places (2010):
Organic Chemistry, its role in industry (2009)
Resources currently available by order:
The resources below are available online as zip files. These files are large and often there are issues downloading them. We recommend ordering a hard copy of these resources. Please email PICSE.Admin@utas.edu.au for your free discs. Once you receive the discs they can be uploaded to your intranet, copied to USB or CD with no copyright issues, we just ask that you acknowledge PICSE in the appropriate manner.
Science Adventures with Igor (UTAS)
An Introduction to Scientific Inquiry
This section introduces students to the basic principles of scientific method and the setting up of their own scientific investigation.
Science in the Sheep and Wool Industry
This section provides students with information and interactive activities relating to the science that is foundational to this important area of primary production.
The Science of Milk and Milk Products
Check out the biology of a cow or the nutritional make-up of milk. Why is milk such a useful natural product? What can milk be made into, what are the processes involved and just how important is it to know the science of grass and soil? Follow Igor and find the answers to all these questions and more!
Download CD ROM
The Science that Supports Our Industries! (UTAS)
The Wine Industry
This section contains scientific information from the Tasmanian and West Australian wine industries. This is an excellent section on basic organic chemistry.
The Poppy Industry
This section covers the importance of Organic Chemistry to this industry. Discover the benefits of the poppy plant, and find out why Tasmania is a world leader in poppy production.
Essential Oils
Extremely important for the perfumery industry, as many essential oils are the basic ingredients of perfumes. This section explores the oils of many plants and their chemical background to them.
Beer Industry
From steeping to bottling; hops and malt; all about beer production.
Dairy Industry
We explore the science of chocolate and cheese manufacture in this section.
Pyrethrum Industry
Pyrethrum is a natural insecticide that has been used for centuries. The chemistry and growth is examined in this section.
Instrumentation
This section looks at specialised laboratory equipment, including mass spectrometers and electron microscopes. It includes animations of the operations of the instruments. Also included is a section on remote sensing of crops from satellites and the use of the spectrum.
Worksheets
All of these sections are supported by worksheets, project sheets, and assessment templates.
Download CD ROM
Aspects of Experimental Design (UTAS)
The aim of this resource package is to provide teachers and students in Years 11 / 12 studying the Life Science subjects such as Biology and Environmental Science with a resource, which is interactive and imaginative. The theme “working scientifically” was used to create the framework for this resource, as all researchers either at University, Industry or other Agencies follow a logical and rational scientific, method in answering questions with regard to their research topic. In particular the fields of Agricultural research are highlighted here in the case studies. This approach will have wide applications in Tasmanian schools, and could also be a useful tool for students in other states.
Download CD ROM
Chemistry in Context (UTAS/UWA/GRDC)
Chemistry underpins the wine industry, from preparing the soils, creating healthy vines, picking the grapes and making the wine. The industry demands knowledge of organic and inorganic materials. Understanding their properties and structures helps with an understanding of how they work and interact and how they can impact on the final wine product, our well-being and on the health of the environment.
Carrying out an investigation, safely using chemicals and equipment, collecting and analysing data, drawing conclusions and communicating findings are fundamental skills of a chemist. This unit will further develop these skills and concepts of material change, chemical reactions and chemical language within the context of the wine industry in Western Australia.
Download CD ROM
Biology in Context - Advances in Plant Genetics (UTAS/UWA/GRDC)
This package is intended to demonstrate and give practice in aspects of current research technique (gel electrophoresis) and introduce students to some cutting edge biotechnology through the rapid breeding of new varieties of non-GMO canola using doubled haploid embryos.
The package comprises a CD-ROM and DVD that together cover the two main topics:
- Agarose gel electrophoresis
- Rapid breeding of new plant varieties
All resources on the CD-ROM can be accessed from the starting page index.htm. The DVD contains two chapters: a visual guide to agarose gel electrophoresis, and an exposition of doubled haploidy for rapid canola breeding.
Download CD ROM
Chemistry in the Citrus Industry:
