'Working Scientifically' Strand, Using Science

Present examples from history that show how scientific theories have changed world views

The Bright Sparcs online exhibition which covers the life and work of botanist

Another paper on this topic, 'Ancestors, not Specimens: reflections on the controversy over the remains of Aboriginal people in European scientific collections' by Paul Turnbull, is published in the Electronic Journal of Australian and New Zealand History. The second section of this paper, 'Rare and curious specimens', covers the scientific views of Aboriginals in the past.

Discuss ways governments, industry and people in the community can influence the development and uses of science

Robert Gordon Menzies, barrister and Prime Minister of Australia;
George Verdon, science patron and politician;
Jack Becker, business executive.
Kenneth Myer, business executive and science patron
Philip Gidley King, science patron and Governor of New South Wales1800-1806
Macpherson Robertson, science patron and industrialist

The work of the Optical Munitions Panel in Australia during the Second World War is a prime example of government (and war) influencing the development and application of science in Australia. The Bright Sparcs online exhibition on the Optical Munitions Panel is a wonderful resource (also available in text only versions to download). The history work unit on the development of optical munitions in Australia during the Second World War is a useful classroom tool for further study in this area.

Analyse an example of conflicting 'scientific opinion' being an important part of the debate

The nuclear age has brought about worldwide scientific and political debate. Bright Sparcs has many resources to offer in this controversial field, and a few are listed below.

Sir Ernest Titterton, was a nuclear physicist who held a strong interest in the subjects of nuclear power and weapons. He was a tireless advocate for nuclear power.

Sir Mark Oliphant is one of Australia's most respected atomic physicists. He worked with Rutherford at the Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge University, and undertook ground-breaking atomic research. Bright Sparcs has an online article about Oliphant's life and work.

'On the beach': Australia's nuclear history

'A physicist would be best out of it': George Briggs and the United Nations Atomic Energy Commission (discusses how Dr Briggs assisted the Atomic Energy Commission, and tells of his views on the threat posed by nuclear power and weapons).