Activity Introduction
Quick summary: Students take part in a nature walk to connect to their local environment. They demonstrate their prior knowledge of ecosystems by contributing to a class mural. Students draw and cut out different elements that they would find in their environment and place them on the mural.
Following this lesson is an ideal way for students to participate in Planet Ark’s Schools Tree Day – the largest nature-care event in Australian schools. You and your students will join thousands of amazing teachers in making a difference, fostering a child’s love of nature and creating positive environmental change. So, get growing! It only takes a minute to register for Schools Tree Day.
Learning goals:
- Students will use a basic concept of scale when they paint/draw their images and use location to place their images on the mural.
- Students connect to nature by discovering their local environment.
Australian Curriculum Mapping
Content description:
Science Year 1
- Living things live in different places where their needs are met (ACSSU211)
Science Year 2
- Living things grow, change and have offspring similar to themselves (ACSSU030)
Syllabus Outcomes: ST1-10LW, ST1-11LW.
General capabilities: Critical and creative thinking.
Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability OI.2.
Topic: Biodiversity, Schools Tree Day
Time required: 60+ mins
Level of teacher scaffolding: High – Prepare surface for the mural and conduct a nature walk.
Resources required: Art materials including scissors and paste, Student Worksheet – one copy per student OR computers/tablets to access the online worksheet.
Digital technology opportunities: Digital sharing capabilities.
Homework and extension opportunities: None.
Keywords: Mural, ecosystem, art, scale.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.