Week 8
How do scientists classify substances and living things?
Embedded Files
learning intentions
learning intentions
To understand the differences between elements, compounds and mixtures by interpreting particle models and identifying real-world examples.
To apply the MRS GREN acronym to classify living and non-living things.
Success Criteria
Success Criteria
I can identify and explain whether a particle model represents an element, compound or mixture.
I can classify real-world substances as elements, compounds or mixtures and justify my choice.
I can identify the seven life processes in MRS GREN and give examples of how living things demonstrate them.
I can use the life processes to explain whether something is living or non-living and share my understanding with others in my group.
Tasks
Tasks
Knowledge and Understanding
🍐Elements, compounds, mixtures
Literacy & research
Cooperative research task: Mrs Gren in Box Gum Woodlands
Knowledge and understanding
caring for our water
caring for our water
Water is a scarce and essential natural resource.
Conserving and maintaining water quality is especially important in Australia, the world's driest inhabited continent.
Preventing or reducing water pollution protects our water quality and is essential to maintaining the health of our environment and our own quality of life.
Interesting facts about water
Interesting facts about water
Water is one of the most important substances on Earth and is constantly moving through the water cycle, travelling between the atmosphere, land, rivers, wetlands and oceans.
Although water covers most of our planet, less than three percent is fresh water, and much of that is locked in polar ice or deep underground.
Wetlands and waterways play a vital role in maintaining water quality because they act as natural filters that trap sediments, break down pollutants and support diverse ecosystems.
However, human activities such as littering, fertiliser use, industrial waste and household chemicals can introduce pollutants into waterways through stormwater systems.
In the ACT, laws managed by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) help regulate water use and pollution to protect these valuable ecosystems.
Water quality and Ecosystem Health
Water quality and Ecosystem Health
Ecosystem health indicators are crucial for assessing the cleanliness and safety of drinking water. A healthy ecosystem, with diverse aquatic life and clear water, signals clean water conditions. Indicator species, like mayflies or sensitive fish, show water quality suitable for life. Absence of pollutants and meeting water quality standards also confirm water cleanliness. Monitoring ecosystem health not only maintains aquatic balance but also ensures clean drinking water. Thus, protecting ecosystem health is vital for safe drinking water sources.
When scientists investigate water quality and ecosystem health, they look closely at what substances are present in the water. Some substances dissolve completely, others remain mixed together, and some may be harmful pollutants. This leads to an important chemistry question: what exactly is water made of, and what else can be found in it? In science, substances are classified as elements, compounds or mixtures, depending on how their particles are arranged and combined. In the following investigation, you will explore different substances found in water and learn how scientists identify whether they are elements, compounds or mixtures. This will help you understand how pollution affects wetlands and why maintaining clean water is essential for healthy ecosystems.
Investigation skills
Wetland Ecosystems - is it alive?
Wetland Ecosystems - is it alive?
Meet MRS GREN
To be classified as a biotic (living) factor, an organism must perform all seven life processes. We use the acronym MRS GREN to remember them.
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