Activity Introduction
Quick summary: This lesson incorporates clips from Blue The Film as learning inspiration. Students examine and compare the respiratory systems of humans, sharks and marine turtles. They begin by working as a class to brainstorm what they already know about respiratory systems, and then investigate how human respiratory systems work. They then work in groups to investigate and compare the respiratory systems of a shark and a marine turtle and create an infographic or poster to share the results of their research. Finally students are asked to think about why having an understanding of body systems – such as respiratory systems – helps scientists to care for and protect animals.
Blue is a feature documentary film charting the drastic decline in the health of our oceans. With more than half of all marine life lost and the expansion of the industrialization of the seas, the film sets out the challenges we are facing and the opportunities for positive change. Blue changes the way we think about our liquid world and inspires the audience to action. Find out how to screen or download the film here. Along with the film is an ambitious global campaign to create advocacy and behaviour change through the #oceanguardian movement. To become an ocean guardian, see the website.
Learning intentions:
- Students will understand the function of respiratory systems.
- Students will understand the similarities and differences between the respiratory systems of humans, sharks and marine turtles.
- Students will recognise how an understanding of animal physiology helps scientists to protect animals.
21st century skills:
Australian Curriculum Mapping
Content descriptions:
Year 8 Science
- Multi-cellular organisms contain systems of organs carrying out specialised functions that enable them to survive and reproduce (ACSSU150)
Syllabus outcomes: SC4-14LW.
General capabilities: Critical and creative thinking, Literacy.
Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability OI.2.
Relevant parts of Year 8 Science achievement standards: Students analyse the relationship between structure and function at cell, organ and body system levels.
Topic: Blue The Film, Ocean Conservation, Biodiversity.
Unit of work: Blue The Film – Science – Year 7 & 8.
Time required: 140 mins +
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – lead students in guided discussion.
Resources required: Student Worksheet – one copy per student. Device capable of presenting a website to the class. Human Respiratory System Diagram, Communication Piece Assessment Rubric.
Keywords: Blue The Film, ocean conservation, respiratory system, sharks, turtles, humans, ocean.
Cool Australia and Northern Pictures would like to acknowledge the generous contributions of GoodPitch² Australia, Shark Island Institute, Documentary Australia Foundation, The Caledonia Foundation and Screen Australia in the development of these teaching resources.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
© 2017 Northern Pictures and Cool Australia
Teacher preparation
