Activity Introduction
Quick summary: In this lesson, students explore big questions and issues relating to animal welfare, ethics and zoos. They begin by working in groups to interview classmates on their thoughts and feelings about zoos, before participating in a class-wide guided discussion about a clip that explores how other people think and talk about zoos. Students then work in groups to create their own guided discussion about a clip, and then share this with the class. Students further explore the divisive opinions about zoos by participating in a role-play using Edward de Bono’s Thinking Hats. Finally, students will investigate what their local zoo is doing in terms of conservation and education.
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.
Learning intentions:
- Students understand that different people have different ethical views about the roles of zoos and these issues can be very divisive.
- Students understand that many zoos are moving to a model that prioritises conservation of threatened species.
21st century skills:
Australian Curriculum Mapping
Content descriptions:
Year 7 Science
- Solutions to contemporary issues that are found using science and technology, may impact on other areas of society and may involve ethical considerations (ACSHE120)
Year 8 Science
- Solutions to contemporary issues that are found using science and technology, may impact on other areas of society and may involve ethical considerations (ACSHE135)
Syllabus outcomes: SC4-11PW.
General capabilities: Critical and creative thinking, Ethical understanding.
Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability OI.2, OI.7, OI.9.
Relevant parts of Year 7 Science achievement standards: Students describe situations where scientific knowledge from different science disciplines and diverse cultures has been used to solve a real-world problem. They explain possible implications of the solution for different groups in society.
Relevant parts of Year 8 Science achievement standards: Students explain how evidence has led to an improved understanding of a scientific idea and describe situations in which scientists collaborated to generate solutions to contemporary problems. They reflect on implications of these solutions for different groups in society.
Topic: Biodiversity.
Unit of work: Fighting Extinction – Secondary.
Time required: 120 mins.
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – lead students in guided discussion and facilitate Thinking Hats activity.
Resources required: Student Worksheets – one copy per student. A device capable of presenting a video to the class. Computers or tablets – one per group. Guided Discussion Rubric. Thinking Hats Worksheet. Conservation Priorities Factsheet (optional).
Keywords: Zoos Victoria, fighting extinction, zoo, ethics, conservation, guided discussion, Edward De Bono’s Thinking Hats.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
Teacher preparation
