Activity: Understanding Invertebrates – Science – Years F to 2

Quick summary: Students investigate invertebrates. They begin by reviewing their existing knowledge around invertebrates and compare invertebrates to vertebrates. They then look at a series of flashcards featuring a range of invertebrates, before focusing on the invertebrates they might find at school or at home, thinking about what these animals need for food, water and shelter. Finally, students work together to create an invertebrate house for their home or school.

This lesson has been developed with generous support from the Ian Potter Foundation, John T Reid Charitable Trusts and The Myer Foundation.

Learning intentions:

• Students understand what invertebrates are
• Students recognise some of the features of invertebrates
• Students understand the needs of invertebrates
• Students recognise actions we can take to help invertebrates.

21st century skills: 

              

Australian Curriculum Mapping

Content descriptions: 

Foundation Science

• Living things have basic needs, including food and water (ACSSU002)
• Engage in discussions about observations and represent ideas (ACSIS233)

Year 1 Science

• Living things have a variety of external features (ACSSU017)
• Living things live in different places where their needs are met (ACSSU211)
• People use science in their daily lives, including when caring for their environment and living things (ACSHE022)
• Compare observations with those of others (ACSIS213)
• Represent and communicate observations and ideas in a variety of ways (ACSIS029)

Year 2 Science

• Living things grow, change and have offspring similar to themselves (ACSSU030)
• Compare observations with those of others (ACSIS041)
• Represent and communicate observations and ideas in a variety of ways (ACSIS042)

Syllabus outcomes: STe-8NE, STe-4WS, ST1-10LW, ST1-11LW, ST1-4WS.

General capabilities: Critical and Creative Thinking.

Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability OI.2, OI.9.

Relevant parts of Foundation Science achievement standards: Students suggest how the environment affects them and other living things. They share and reflect on observations, and ask and respond to questions about familiar objects and events.

Relevant parts of Year 1 Science achievement standards: Students describe how different places meet the needs of living things. They participate in guided investigations of everyday phenomena and follow instructions to record and sort their observations and share them with others.

Relevant parts of Year 2 Science achievement standards: Students describe changes to objects, materials and living things. They participate in guided investigations of everyday phenomena and record and represent observations and communicate ideas in a variety of ways.

Topics: Biodiversity, Sustainability.

This lesson is part of the wider unit of work: Investigating Invertebrates – Lower Primary.

Time required: 60 mins.

Level of teacher scaffolding: High – lead students in class discussions, oversee invertebrate habitat construction.

Resources required:

• Device capable of presenting a clip to the class
• Invertebrate Flashcards
• Materials for invertebrate habitat (see Part C of the lesson)
• Outdoor Learning Tips
• Year 2 – Insect Life-cycles
• Year 2 – Student Worksheet – one copy per student.

Keywords: invertebrates, vertebrates, features, habitats, food, water, shelter.

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