Introduction: In this activity, you will have the opportunity to explore the life and work of an Australian scientist and one of their notable inventions or discoveries. You will conduct research to learn about the scientist’s background, the invention or discovery they are known for, and its impact on society.
Instructions:
- Choose an Australian scientist from the provided list or select one of your own.
- Conduct research to gather information about the scientist’s background, including their education, career, and notable achievements.
- Investigate one of the scientist’s inventions or discoveries. What problem did it solve? How was it developed or discovered?
- Describe the impact of the invention or discovery on society. Who did it help, and how has it influenced the world?
Australian Scientists: Choose one of the following Australian scientists to research, or select your own:
- Dr. Fiona Wood:
- Brief Bio: Dr. Fiona Wood is a plastic surgeon and researcher known for her pioneering work in the treatment of burns. She developed the “Spray-On Skin” technique, which revolutionized the treatment of burn injuries by using a patient’s own skin cells to rapidly regenerate new tissue.
- Invention: Spray-On Skin
- Discovery: Dr. Wood and her team developed the Spray-On Skin technique in response to the need for faster and more effective treatment of severe burns. The technique involves spraying a solution containing a patient’s skin cells onto the wound, promoting rapid healing and reducing scarring.
- Impact: The Spray-On Skin technique has significantly improved outcomes for burn victims by accelerating the healing process and reducing the risk of infection. It has helped thousands of patients worldwide recover from severe burns with less pain and scarring.
- Dr. Graeme Clark:
- Brief Bio: Dr. Graeme Clark is a biomedical engineer and researcher best known for inventing the cochlear implant, a device that restores hearing to individuals with severe hearing loss or deafness.
- Invention: Cochlear Implant
- Discovery: Dr. Clark began researching cochlear implants in the 1960s, inspired by his father’s struggle with hearing loss. After years of development and collaboration with medical experts, he successfully implanted the first multichannel cochlear implant in a patient in 1978.
- Impact: The cochlear implant has transformed the lives of millions of people worldwide, enabling deaf individuals to hear and communicate effectively. It has provided a sense of sound and improved quality of life for recipients of all ages, allowing them to participate more fully in society.
- Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn:
- Brief Bio: Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn is a molecular biologist and Nobel laureate recognized for her discovery of telomerase, an enzyme involved in the maintenance of chromosome stability and cell longevity.
- Discovery: Dr. Blackburn’s research on telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, led to the discovery of telomerase and its role in preventing cellular aging and disease. Her groundbreaking work laid the foundation for understanding the molecular mechanisms of aging and cancer.
- Impact: Dr. Blackburn’s discovery of telomerase has profound implications for human health and longevity. It has advanced our understanding of aging-related diseases such as cancer, and it holds promise for potential treatments to extend healthy lifespan in the future.
Conclusion: After completing your research, summarize your findings on the provided worksheet and be prepared to share your insights with the class. Reflect on the significance of the scientist’s work and the lasting impact of their invention or discovery on society.
Mr Danic 