Fighting Extinction - Tuning In to Zoos

Australian curriculum content descriptions: 

Foundation Science:

• Living things have basic needs, including food and water (ACSSU002)

Year 1 Science:

• Living things live in different places where their needs are met (ACSSU211)
• People use science in their daily lives, including when caring for their environment and living things (ACSHE022)

Year 2 Science:

• Living things grow, change and have offspring similar to themselves (ACSSU030)
• People use science in their daily lives, including when caring for their environment and living things (ACSHE035)

Year 3 Science:

• Living things can be grouped on the basis of observable features and can be distinguished from non-living things (ACSSU044)
• Science knowledge helps people to understand the effect of their actions (ACSHE051)

Year 4 Science:

• Living things depend on each other and the environment to survive (ACSSU073)
• Science knowledge helps people to understand the effect of their actions (ACSHE062)

Year 5 Science:

• Living things have structural features and adaptations that help them to survive in their environment (ACSSU043)

Year 6 Science:

• The growth and survival of living things are affected by physical conditions of their environment (ACSSU094)

Syllabus outcomes: STe-8NE, ST1-11LW, ST1-10LW, ST2-10LW, ST2-11LW, ST3-10LW, ST3-11LW

General capabilities: Critical and creative thinking, Ethical understanding, Empathy

Cross-curriculum priority:  Sustainability OI.2, OI.7, OI.9

Relevant parts of Foundation Science achievement standards: Students suggest how the environment affects them and other living things.

Relevant parts of Year 1 Science achievement standards: Students describe changes in their local environment and how different places meet the needs of living things.

Relevant parts of Year 2 Science achievement standards: Students describe changes to living things and describe examples of where science is used in people’s daily lives.

Relevant parts of Year 3 Science achievement standards: Students group living things based on observable features and describe how they can use science investigations to respond to questions.

Relevant parts of Year 4 Science achievement standards: Students describe relationships that assist the survival of living thing, and identify when science is used to understand the effect of their actions.

Relevant parts of Year 5 Science achievement standards: Students analyse how the form of living things enables them to function in their environments.

Relevant parts of Year 6 Science achievement standards: Students describe and predict the effect of environmental changes on individual living things.

Unit of work: Fighting Extinction – Primary

Time required: 60 mins

Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – lead students in guided discussion, guide students through activities

• A device capable of presenting a video to the class
• One printed copy of the Learning Journal for each student
• String, masking tape or chalk
• Optional for younger students: Animal Needs – Primate, Animal Needs – Elephant, Animal Needs – Seal and Animal Needs – Wolf (see Part D step 1 of this lesson for elaboration on how these flashcards can be used)

• Communication
• Creativity
• Critical thinking
• Empathy
• Ethical understanding
• Problem solving

This lesson has been developed in partnership with Zoos Victoria. Zoos Victoria is a zoo-based conservation organisation whose mission is to fight extinction and support Victorians to be the world’s most wildlife friendly community through being caring, informed and active. Zoos Victoria operate three zoos: Werribee Open Range Zoo, Melbourne Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary. Click here to find out more about Zoos Victoria and their work on fighting extinction.