Activity Introduction
Quick summary: In this lesson, students will learn about biodiversity and the role keystone species play in the health of an ecosystem. They will then research the Black Summer Australian bushfires as a case study of an event that had significant biodiversity loss. Using the information learnt, they will write a letter to the government to convince them to enact change in how Australia manages the land and conserves biodiversity.
Learning intentions:
- Students understand the importance of biodiversity in an ecosystem
- Students understand the important role a keystone species plays
- Students understand the ecological impact of the Black Summer bushfires in Australia.
21st century skills:
Australian Curriculum Mapping
Content descriptions:
Year 9 Science
- Ecosystems consist of communities of interdependent organisms and abiotic components of the environment; matter and energy flow through these systems (ACSSU176)
- Communicate scientific ideas and information for a particular purpose, including constructing evidence-based arguments and using appropriate scientific language, conventions and representations (ACSIS174)
Syllabus outcomes: SC5-9WS, SC5-14LW.
General capabilities: Literacy, Creative and Critical Thinking.
Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability OI.2.
Relevant parts of Year 9 achievement standards: Students analyse how biological systems function and respond to external changes with reference to interdependencies, energy transfers and flows of matter.
Topic: Biodiversity, Sustainability, STEM.
This lesson is part of the wider unit of work Backyard Bush Blitz – Year 9.
Time required: 75 mins.
Level of teacher scaffolding: Low – Explain some facts about biodiversity and show a video to the class.
Resources required:
- Bush Blitz Information Sheet
- Device capable of presenting a video to the class
- Student devices with internet access
- Student Worksheets – one copy per student.
Keywords: Biodiversity, keystone species, bushfires, bush blitz, ecosystems, bushfires, black summer.
Bush Blitz is Australia’s largest nature discovery program, with the Bush Blitz TeachLive component delivered by Earthwatch Australia, who kindly provided the images in these lessons. Thank you to the Ian Potter Foundation, John T Reid Charitable Trusts and The Myer Foundation for generously supporting the development of these lessons.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
Teacher Preparation
