Climate change and biodiversity in Australia

Australian curriculum 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)
• Critically analyse the validity of information in secondary sources and evaluate the approaches used to solve problems (ACSIS172)
• Communicate scientific ideas and information for a particular purpose, including constructing evidence-based arguments and using appropriate scientific language, conventions and representations (ACSIS174)

Year 10 Science:

• Global systems, including the carbon cycle, rely on interactions involving the biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere (ACSSU189)
• Critically analyse the validity of information in secondary sources and evaluate the approaches used to solve problems (ACSIS206)
• Communicate scientific ideas and information for a particular purpose, including constructing evidence-based arguments and using appropriate scientific language, conventions and representations (ACSIS208)

Year 10 Geography:

• The human-induced environmental changes that challenge sustainability (ACHGK070)
• The application of human-environment systems thinking to understanding the causes and likely consequences of the environmental change being investigated (ACHGK073)
• Present findings, arguments and explanations in a range of appropriate communication forms selected for their effectiveness and to suit audience and purpose, using relevant geographical terminology and digital technologies as appropriate (ACHGS079)
• Reflect on and evaluate the findings of the inquiry to propose individual and collective action in response to a contemporary geographical challenge, taking account of environmental, economic and social considerations; and explain the predicted outcomes and consequences of their proposal (ACHGS080)

Syllabus outcomes: GE5-2, GE5-3, GE5-8, SC5-7WS, SC5-8WS, SC5-9WS, SC5-14LW, SC5-12ES. 

Time required: This activity can be extended over several sessions

Level of teacher scaffolding: Low – oversee activity, facilitate discussion.

• Internet access, student worksheet
• Materials for making fact sheet/poster
• PowerPoint

This is an original Cool.org lesson. Facts and figures in these lessons may have changed since this lesson was published. We always endeavour to update our resources in a timely manner, but if you see an error or issue in our resources please get in touch with us.