The immediate environment has an impact on all living things in many different ways. Each local environment has unique physical, chemical, geological and biological features that are related to various cycles in operation. The interaction of those features determines the ecosystems that are present and the type and number of flora and fauna the ecosystem is able to sustain. By drawing on their existing knowledge of the local area, students are able to expand their understanding of the scientific concepts that impact on or are caused by biotic and abiotic factors operating in the environment.
The body needs to be protected from hazards that are part of the modern environment. A knowledge of the structure and function of the human body suggests appropriate safety measures that need to be considered and technologies that can be developed to protect the body. Legislation on work health and safety issues that relate to our immediate home and work environments encourages the adoption of safe practice in all aspects of students’ lives.
The end of the twentieth century witnessed an increased awareness of the need to maintain biodiversity and to preserve and maintain plants. Plants are being replaced in areas where earlier settlers removed them and there is renewed interest in removing introduced plants from natural tracts of bushland. There is also an increased awareness of using Australian native plants for a variety of purposes. Their adaptations to the Australian environment mean that less alteration of the soil and generally less investment in water is needed for their growth.
There just wouldn't be any you, me or Fido the dog without the existence of an ample liquid water supply on Earth. The unique qualities and properties of water are what make it so important and basic to life. The cells in our bodies are full of water. The excellent ability of water to dissolve so many substances allows our cells to use valuable nutrients, minerals and chemicals.
