AuSSI Native Animal Identification (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)

Geography Year 7:

• Collect, select and record relevant geographical data and information, using ethical protocols, from appropriate primary and secondary sources (ACHGS048)

Science Year 8:

• Science and technology contribute to finding solutions to a range of contemporary issues; these solutions may impact on other areas of society and involve ethical considerations (ACSHE135)
• Science understanding influences the development of practices in areas of human activity such as industry, agriculture and marine and terrestrial resource management (ACSHE136)

Geography Year 8:

• Collect, select and record relevant geographical data and information, using ethical protocols, from appropriate primary and secondary sources (ACHGS056)

Science Year 9:

• Ecosystems consist of communities of interdependent organisms and abiotic components of the environment; matter and energy flow through these systems (ACSSU176)
• People can use scientific knowledge to evaluate whether they should accept claims, explanations or predictions (ACSHE160)
• The values and needs of contemporary society can influence the focus of scientific research (ACSHE228)

Geography Year 9:

• The distribution and characteristics of biomes as regions with distinctive climates, soils, vegetation and productivity (ACHGK060)
• Collect, select, record and organise relevant geographical data and information, using ethical protocols, from a range of appropriate primary and secondary sources (ACHGS064)

Science Year 10:

• People can use scientific knowledge to evaluate whether they should accept claims, explanations or predictions (ACSHE194)
• The values and needs of contemporary society can influence the focus of scientific research (ACSHE230)

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)

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, ethical understanding 

Syllabus Outcomes: GE5-1, GE5-2, GE5-3, GE5-4, GE5-5, GE4-7, GE5-7, SC4-14LW, SC4-15LQW, SC4-11PW, SC4-13ES, SC5-14LW, SC5-11PW, SC5-13ES. 

Connecting lessons: Biodiversity audit – must be completed as a compulsory action.

• Internet access
• students worksheet
• collecting jars or plastic petrie dishes
• school ground map (use Google Maps or Flash Earth if hard copy unavailable)
• Scat identification sheet.
• Optional: binoculars.

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:

• A1.1 – Have you identified, monitored and documented the native animals at your school? E.g. using motion-sensing cameras in nesting boxes, visual audits, scat and track identification, bird observations or photo point monitoring?

Checklist data goals:

• No data goals.