Activity Introduction

Bushfires have long been a part of the Australian landscape. Our plants and animals have had to find ways to live with bushfires. Our plants have developed adaptations that mean they can survive bushfires, and in some cases, they even need bushfires as part of their lifecycle. Even if you live in the city, you can find these adaptations on the native plants in your garden, on your street or at the local park. 

This activity is a great one to do together as a family. However, children will need support to complete this activity.

Ideal for: Primary Ages 10 to 12.

Themes:

  • fresh air
  • be creative
  • think and connect

Time required: 30 minutes

Curriculum connections: Critical and Creative Thinking, Literacy.

Tips for Parents and Carers

In partnership with The Conversation, the Beyond the Bushfires series brings the words of scientists who are actively involved in research and science communication into classrooms throughout Australia. Students will explore evidence-based research embedded in the context of real-world practice.

Additional thanks to the Ian Potter Foundation, John T Reid Charitable Trusts and The Myer Foundation, for generously supporting the development of these lessons

Lesson & Curriculum Details

Curriculum codes:

Resources Required

 

[email protected] from Cool Australia

[email protected] resources are designed for parents and teachers to use with children in the home environment. They can be used as stand-alone activities or built into existing curriculum-aligned learning programs. Our [email protected] series includes two types of resources. The first type of resources are fun and challenging real-world activities for all ages. The second type of resource is self-directed lessons for upper primary and secondary students. These lessons support independent learning in remote or school settings.

Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.

 

Worksheets

Student Worksheet

How Do Plants Live With Bushfires? - Activity Instructions

Part A: What does ADAPTATION mean?

Step 1. In this activity, you will look at the adaptations that flora has developed to help them live with bushfires. But what does adaptation mean? Watch the following clip:

Living Things Change: Crash Course Kids (https://youtu.be/xDSFlRunlrU)

Once complete, write down your observations about this clip using the questions below, recording your answers in your workbook or on a separate piece of paper (or discuss your answers with an adult):

  • What did you find interesting in this clip?
  • What questions do you have about what you saw in this clip?

In summary, adaptation is a characteristic that helps an organism live in its environment.

Part B: What is flora?

Step 1. In this activity, you will be thinking about the impact bushfires have on our environment, and looking at how our flora have adapted to bushfires.

The first thing to do is to understand what is meant by flora.

What

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