Citizen Science - Species Mapping

Australian curriculum content descriptions: 

Year 9 Geography:

• Represent spatial distribution of geographical phenomena by constructing special purpose maps that conform to cartographic conventions, using spatial technologies as appropriate (ACHGS066).
• Identify how geographical information systems (GIS) might be used to analyse geographical data and make predictions (ACHGS069).
• 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).

Year 10 Geography:

• Represent spatial distribution of geographical phenomena by constructing special purpose maps that conform to cartographic conventions, using spatial technologies as appropriate (ACHGS075).
• Identify how geographical information systems (GIS) might be used to analyse geographical data and make predictions (ACHGS078).
• 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 (ACHGS079).

Syllabus outcomes: GE5-7, GE5-8.

General capabilities: Information and CommunicationTechnology (ICT) Capability, Critical and Creative Thinking.

Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability OI.2.

Relevant parts of Year 9 Geography achievement standards: Students analyse interconnections between people, places and environments and explain how these interconnections influence people, and change places and environments. They predict changes in the characteristics of places over time and identify the possible implications of change for the future.

Relevant parts of Year 10 Geography achievement standards: Students identify, analyse and explain significant interconnections between people, places and environments and explain changes that result from these interconnections and their consequences.

Unit of work: ClimateWatch: Citizen Science – Geography – Years 9 & 10.

Time required: 80 mins.

Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – teachers will facilitate the use of online GIS technology and a group research activity.  

• Student Worksheets (one copy per student)
• Data projector and connected internet-enabled device
• Enough internet-enabled devices to allow students to conduct paired research
• A range of whiteboard markers
• A stack of sticky notes 

• Collaboration
• Communication
• Community engagement
• Creativity
• Critical thinking
• Digital literacy
• Problem solving

The lessons in this unit have been developed in partnership with Earthwatch.

Earthwatch developed the ClimateWatch program with the Bureau of Meteorology and The University of Melbourne to understand how changes in temperature and rainfall are affecting the seasonal behaviour of Australia’s plants and animals.