Designed for physics and engineering technology teachers, the unit ‘Giants that walk the Earth’ is based around the physics of draglines. The physics that govern the operation of these massive machines provides an ideal context in which to investigate a life application specifically of the principles of electromagnetism.…

Find out how a coal-fired power station makes electricity. This is an animated video in eleven parts which shows the components and processes in a coal-fired power station. The accompanying narration explains what happens in each stage. Most of the statistical information and examples relate to Queensland. QRC…

This is a worksheet containing images and descriptions of the stages in a coal-fired power station. Students cut out the images and descriptions to arrange them in the correct sequence. Educational value statement Allows students to demonstrate the sequence of stages and energy conversions in a power station.…

This is an interactive activity that allows students to explore the processes involved in the mining and processing of copper ore and the production of copper. Students initially place the processes in correct sequence and can then select each stage to animate it and access relevant information. The…

Find out how hydrogen gas is produced and used. This is a fact sheet providing information on hydrogen production from fossil fuels and renewable energy sources. The uses of hydrogen are briefly discussed and information is provided about hydrogen fuel cells. Educational value statement Compares the feasibility of…

Discover what oil shale is and where oil shale resources can be found in Australia. Learn about oil shale’s potential as an alternative fuel for Australia, given our decreasing supply of crude oil resources. Discover how oil shale was formed and learn about the process of mining oil…

This fact sheet describes oxyfuel combustion, the technology that burns fuel in almost pure oxygen. Because this makes it easier to capture carbon dioxide from flue gas, it may be possible to achieve near zero carbon dioxide emissions from the production of coal fired electricity. A diagram illustrating…