Activity Introduction
Quick summary: Students investigate ecosystem diversity by comparing a variety of Australian ecosystems. They identify the key features of ecosystems and suggest the main factors that influence them. They ask questions about the conservation and threats to ecosystems of interest.
Key lessons and understandings of activity: Ecosystems can be understood by investigating its physical characteristics including climate, and the plants and animals that live in them. Most ecosystems are influenced by people’s activities and many are threatened as a result.
Australian Curriculum Mapping
Content descriptions:
Year 5 Science
- Living things have structural features and adaptations that help them to survive in their environment (ACSSU043)
Year 5 English
- Use comprehension strategies to analyse information, integrating and linking ideas from a variety of print and digital sources (ACELY1703)
Year 6 Science
- The growth and survival of living things are affected by the physical conditions of their environment (ACSSU094)
Year 6 English
- Create literary texts that adapt or combine aspects of texts students have experienced in innovative ways (ACELT1618)
Syllabus Outcomes: ST3-10LW, ST3-11LW, EN3-3A, EN3-7C.
Topic: Biodiversity
Year levels: 5 and 6
Indoor or outdoor activity: Indoor
Time required: 45 mins +
Learning areas addressed: Geography, Science.
Level of teacher scaffolding: Lead class discussion and assist with research.
Resources needed: Student Worksheet, writing materials, internet access.
Homework and extension opportunities: This activity includes opportunities for extension.
Keywords: biodiversity, ecosystem, conservation.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
Teacher preparation
