AuSSI Biodiversity Audit (Secondary)

Australian Curriculum content descriptions:

Science Year 7:

• There are differences within and between groups of organisms; classification helps organise this diversity (ACSSU111)
• Interactions between organisms can be described in terms of food chains and food webs; human activity can affect these interactions (ACSSU112)

Mathematics Year 7:

• Find percentages of quantities and express one quantity as a percentage of another, with and without digital technologies. (ACMNA158)

Geography Year 7:

• Collect, select and record relevant geographical data and information, using ethical protocols, from appropriate primary and secondary sources (ACHGS048)
• Represent the spatial distribution of different types of geographical phenomena by constructing appropriate maps at different scales that conform to cartographic conventions, using spatial technologies as appropriate (ACHGS050)

Science Year 8:

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


Geography Year 8:

• Collect, select and record relevant geographical data and information, using ethical protocols, from appropriate primary and secondary sources (ACHGS056)
• Present findings, arguments and ideas in a range of communication forms selected to suit a particular audience and purpose, using geographical terminology and digital technologies as appropriate (ACHGS061)
• Reflect on their learning to propose individual and collective action in response to a contemporary geographical challenge, taking account of environmental, economic and social considerations, and predict the expected outcomes of their proposal (ACHGS062)

Geography Year 9:

• Collect, select, record and organise relevant geographical data and information, using ethical protocols, from a range of appropriate primary and secondary sources (ACHGS064)
• Present findings, arguments and explanations in a range of appropriate communication forms, selected for their effectiveness and to suit audience and purpose; using relevant geographical terminology, and digital technologies as appropriate (ACHGS070)

Geography Year 10:

• The human-induced environmental changes that challenge sustainability (ACHGK070)
• The application of geographical concepts and methods to the management of the environmental change being investigated (ACHGK074)
• Collect, select, record and organise relevant data and geographical information, using ethical protocols, from a range of appropriate primary and secondary sources (ACHGS073)

Cross curriculum priorities
Sustainability OI.1 – The biosphere is a dynamic system providing conditions that sustain life on Earth. O1.2 – All life forms, including human life, are connected through ecosystems on which they depend for their wellbeing and survival.

General capabilities
Critical and creative thinking, Numeracy
** Syllabus Outcomes: GE4-7, GE4-8, GE5-2, GE5-3, GE5-4, GE5-5, GE5-7, GE5-8, SC4-14LW, SC4-15LW, SC4-13ES. 
Connecting lessons:** Native animal identification – must be completed as a compulsory action.

• Internet access
• Student worksheet
• Maps of school grounds (from Flash Earth or Google Maps)
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Materials for making maps

This lesson can be used when working on the Biodiversity Module of ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic Certification. By completing this lesson you will have completed the following actions:

Biodiversity Checklist

Compulsory Actions:

• A1 – Have you completed biodiversity assessments for your school’s grounds, including the identification and recording of:
  • Indigenous/native plants and animal habitat quality e.g. trees, understorey, ground cover weeds and soil management?
  • Linkages of school vegetation and habitats with surrounding areas?
• A1 – Has your Habitat Quality Assessment score been entered as your baseline data?

Checklist data goals:

• To estimate a ‘habitat quality score’ as well as the percentage of different elements in the school ground e.g. percentage of school grounds covered by buildings, asphalt, oval/lawn etc.