Natural Science - Term 1 - Week 4

Application tasks are designed to help students connect theoretical knowledge with real-world situations. In Natural Science, this means using scientific principles to solve problems or answer questions. This week, we will focus on applying what we have learned in previous lessons, such as the scientific method, ecosystems, and energy transformations, through a series of guided tasks.

Consider a simple example of energy transformation: a solar panel. When sunlight hits the solar panel, it converts solar energy into electrical energy. This process can be broken down into steps: absorption of sunlight, conversion to electrical energy, and then usage of that energy to power devices. Understanding this transformation helps us appreciate renewable energy sources and their importance in our daily lives.

In pairs, students will explore a local ecosystem (e.g., a park or garden) and identify at least three interactions between organisms. For example, they might observe how bees pollinate flowers or how birds eat insects. Each pair will create a short presentation explaining these interactions, using vocabulary such as 'predator', 'prey', 'symbiosis', and 'habitat'. This task encourages collaboration and reinforces key concepts in ecology.

Students will individually research two different energy sources: one renewable (like wind or solar) and one non-renewable (like coal or natural gas). They will create a comparison chart that includes the advantages and disadvantages of each energy source, as well as their impact on the environment. This task allows students to apply their knowledge of energy transformations and environmental science independently.

• To absorb water
• To convert solar energy into electrical energy
• To store energy
• To reflect sunlight

Answer: To convert solar energy into electrical energy

Solar panels are designed specifically to convert sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic cells.

• Bees and flowers
• Wolves and deer
• Trees and soil
• Birds and nests

Answer: Wolves and deer

In this relationship, wolves hunt and eat deer, making them predators and deer their prey.

Answer: Symbiosis is a close relationship between two different species where at least one benefits.

This definition captures the essence of symbiosis, which can involve mutualism, commensalism, or parasitism.

• It is renewable
• It produces greenhouse gases
• It is abundant
• It is inexpensive

Answer: It produces greenhouse gases

Burning coal releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide and other pollutants, contributing to climate change.

Answer: 1. It is renewable. 2. It reduces electricity bills.

Solar energy is sustainable and can significantly lower energy costs for users.

• Producer
• Consumer
• Decomposer
• Predator

Answer: Decomposer

Decomposers, such as fungi and bacteria, break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Answer: The scientific method is a systematic process for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.