Outdoor Learning - Conservation Careers - Year 8

Activity Introduction

Quick summary: During this lesson students investigate the role of knowledge of our environment in jobs both now and in the future. Students begin by exploring the need for green jobs (why we need people to have green jobs) and what some current green jobs might be. Students are then asked to imagine some green jobs of the future, what the job descriptions of these jobs would be and how these jobs would help to protect, conserve and care for our environment.

This lesson is designed to be taught outside. It contains all the tools required for students to reap the benefits of being outdoors while learning the outcomes of the Australian Curriculum. By spending time outdoors and connecting to nature, students are more likely to care for and conserve nature as adults.

staple-quote-small

Learning goals:

Students recognise the role of knowledge of the environment and ecosystems in a number of occupations (green jobs).
Students identify ways in which green jobs might change in the future.
Students recognise the mental, physical and academic benefits of completing classroom activities outside.

21st century skills:

conservation careers skills

Australian Curriculum Mapping

Content descriptions:

Year 8 Science

People use science understanding and skills in their occupations and these have influenced the development of practices in areas of human activity (ACSHE136)

Syllabus outcomes: SC4-13ES.

General capabilities: Critical and Creative Thinking, Personal and Social Capability.

Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability OI.6.

Relevant parts of Year 8 Science achievement standards: Students examine the different science knowledge used in occupations.

Topic: Outdoor Learning, Biodiversity.

Unit of work: Outdoor Learning Unit.

Time required: 60 mins

Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – oversee lesson, facilitate discussion.

Resources required: Student Worksheet – one copy per student OR computers/tablets to access the online worksheet. Strips of paper and pens.

Digital technology opportunities: Digital sharing capabilities.

Keywords: Careers, green jobs, environment, protection, conservation, future, outdoor learning.

Cool Australia would like to thank The Albert George & Nancy Caroline Youngman Trust – managed by Equity Trustees.

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

Worksheets

Teacher Worksheet

Teacher preparation

Overarching learning goal: Students recognise the role of knowledge of the environment and ecosystems in a number of occupations, and identify ways in which green jobs might change in the future. Finally, students will begin to recognise the mental, physical and academic benefits of completing classroom activities outside.

Outdoor learning information:

Outdoor Learning Series: https://vimeo.com/171030135

Factsheets:

To help guide teachers through suggested activities in this lesson, we have developed a series of icons designed to show what types of activities are involved and where these activities may take place (see Learning Activity Key below).

learning activity icons key updated-v3

The lesson is designed to support students and teachers undertaking the Outdoor Learning Unit. Click here to view the Unit Outline.

Teacher content infor

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Student Worksheet

Thought starter: What's your dream green job?

Why does the environment need people to protect it?

lorax-trees

Considering the quote above from the Lorax, complete the following 'Think, Pair, Share' activity using the following questions:

Question	Answer - THINK
What do you think of this quote?
Do agree with the idea that the environment needs people to speak for it? Why or why not?
In what ways can people speak for the environment?
Why might the environment need people to speak for it?
What are some examples of people speaking for the environment?

Once you have answered these questions, turn to a classmate and share your answers.

Are your answers similar?
How different are your definitions?
Why do you think this is?

What roles might people have in protecting the environment in the future?

Working in pairs, have a look at these imaginary green jobs of the future.

future green jobs

Select three and wr

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Activity: Outdoor Learning – Conservation Careers – Year 8