Australia · ACARA Content Descriptions
Year 8 Technologies
A comprehensive exploration of computational thinking, network infrastructure, and software development. Students transition from visual blocks to general-purpose programming while evaluating the social and ethical impacts of emerging technologies.
The Logic of Machines
Students master the foundations of algorithmic thinking by decomposing complex problems and designing robust logical flows.
Breaking down complex real world problems into smaller, manageable parts that a computer can execute.
Using branching and iteration to control the flow of a program based on specific conditions.
Bridging the gap between block-based coding and general-purpose programming languages like Python.
The Connected World
An investigation into how data moves across the globe through hardware, protocols, and secure channels.
Exploring the physical and software layers that allow devices to communicate across a network.
Analyzing how bandwidth and latency impact the user experience of digital systems.
Understanding the methods used to protect data from unauthorized access during transmission.
Data Intelligence
Students collect, model, and interpret data to identify patterns and inform decision making.
Investigating how computers represent text, images, and sound using binary digits.
Using software to create models that predict outcomes based on variable data inputs.
Examining the implications of large scale data collection by corporations and governments.
User-Centric Design
Focusing on the user experience and interface design to create accessible digital solutions.
Learning the visual elements of design that make software intuitive and easy to navigate.
Designing digital products that are usable by people with diverse needs and abilities.
Developing low fidelity and high fidelity prototypes to test ideas before final production.
The Impact of Innovation
Critically analyzing how digital systems transform industries, environments, and social interactions.
Exploring how robotics and AI are changing the landscape of employment.
Assessing the ecological footprint of digital hardware and the energy consumption of data centers.
Navigating the legal and ethical responsibilities of being an active participant in a digital world.
The Software Studio
A capstone project where students apply the full development lifecycle to solve a real world problem.
Implementing iterative development cycles to manage a technology project effectively.
Using version control and collaborative tools to build software in teams.
Presenting the final product and reflecting on the design and development process.