Nikki Verrills - Science Talk 2008
Teaching notes
This resource contains a set of videos in which Nikki Verrills describes her work as a medical researcher and the path that she has taken in her career. She talks about her research and development work on the PP2A gene and how this could lead towards a cure for breast cancer. Nikki also gives advice to young female students considering science as a career.
Each video has a set of questions designed to stimulate reflection on the content of Nikki’s presentation and interview.
Teachers may find it useful to combine this resource with others listed in the Resources section to extend students’ learning based on outcomes from Stages 4 and 5 of the NSW Board of Studies Science syllabus and Stage 6 Biology and Senior Science Syllabuses. The syllabuses can be found at: www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au
Science
Stage 4/5 - Prescribed Focus Areas
Students will develop knowledge and understanding of:
- the history of science
- the nature and practice of science
- applications and uses of science
- current issues, research and development.
(5.8.1) Cell theory
- explain that systems in multicellular organisms serve the needs of cells
- identify the role of cell division in growth, repair and reproduction in multicellular organisms.
- Cell theory (optional)
- describe cell processes that transfer genetic information from generation to generation during cell reproduction
- identify the role of mitosis and cell differentiation during the production of new cells for growth and replacement of damaged cells
Biology
Stage 6 – Prescribed Focus Areas
History of biology:
Knowledge of the historical background of biology is important for an adequate understanding of the origins, functioning and evolution of living organisms. Students should develop knowledge of:
- the progressive accumulation of knowledge about living things and their environment
- the part that an understanding of living things and their environment plays in shaping society
- how our understanding of living things and their environment is influenced by society.
Nature and practice of biology:
A study of biology should enable students to participate in scientific activities and develop knowledge of the practice of biology. Students should develop knowledge of the provisional nature of biological explanations and the complex relationship between:
- existing biological views and the evidence supporting these
- the process and methods of exploring, generating, testing and relating ideas
- the stimulation provided by technological advances in understanding biology
- the constraints imposed on understanding biology by the limitations of current technology and the stimulation this provides for the development of the required technology and technological advances.
Applications and uses of biology:
Setting the study of biology into broader contexts allows students to deal with real problems and applications. The study of biology should increase students’ knowledge of:
- the relevance, usefulness and applicability of biological concepts and principles
- how increases in our understanding in biology have led to the development of useful technologies and systems
- the contributions biology has made to society, with particular emphasis on Australian achievements.
Current issues, research and developments in biology
- areas currently being researched in biology
- career opportunities in biology and related fields
- events reported in the media that require an understanding of some aspect of biology.
(8.3) Patterns in nature: (8.3.5) Maintenance of organisms requires growth and repair.
(9.4) The search for better health: (9.4.6) Epidemiological studies involve the collection and careful statistical analysis of large quantities of data. Such studies assist the causal identification of non-infectious diseases.
(9.6) Biotechnology - option: (9.6.3) Classical biotechnology exploited knowledge of cell biochemistry to produce industrial fermentation procedures.
(9.7) Genetics: The code broken - option:
- (9.7.5) Gene therapy is possible once the genes responsible for harmful conditions are identified
- (9.7.6) Mechanisms of genetic change.
(9.9) Biochemistry - option: (9.9.3) Chloroplasts were proposed as the site of photosynthesis in the late 19th century.
Senior Science
Stage 6
(8.2) Water for living: (8.2.1) Water is essential for the health of humans and other living things.
(9.4) Pharmaceuticals – option: (9.7.3) When some pharmaceuticals are introduced into the circulatory system they can stop messages moving across the synapse or stop the inflammation response continuing.
Quality teaching
This resource provides opportunities to incorporate the following elements of Quality teaching in NSW public schools by:
- giving students an opportunity to discover the nature and practice of medical research and biochemistry (Deep knowledge, Connectedness, Metalanguage, Knowledge integration)
- highlighting the dynamic nature of cancer research and the relationships between advances in medical science and drug therapy (Connectedness, Problematic knowledge, Higher-order thinking)
- stimulating thought about what inspires people to become scientists (Connectedness, Problematic knowledge).