Outdoor Learning - Topsoil Testing

Australian Curriculum (v9.0) content descriptions:

Year 8 Mathematics:

Students learn:

• the interconnections between human activity and geomorphological processes, and ways of managing distinctive landscapes (AC9HG8K04)

Syllabus outcomes: GE4-1, GE4-2, GE4-3, GE4-7, GE4-8.

General capabilities: Critical and Creative Thinking.

Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability.

Relevant parts of Year 8 achievement standards:
By the end of Year 8, students describe the effects of human activity or hazards on environments.

• Apple
• Chopping board
• Device capable of presenting a website to the class
• Guide – Earth as an apple – demonstration instructions
• Knife
• Map of the school
• Student Worksheet – one copy per student
• Each group will also need:
  • one printed A4-sized map of the school for each group
  • one copy of the Topsoil Testing Record Sheet
  • one spade/shovel for each group
  • one tape measure
  • pen/pencil.

This lesson is designed to build students’ competencies in the following skills:

• creativity
• critical thinking

Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium - oversee activity and facilitate discussion.

This lesson is designed to be taught outside. It contains all the tools required for students to reap the benefits of being outdoors while learning the outcomes of the Australian Curriculum. By spending time outdoors and connecting to nature, students are more likely to care for and conserve nature as adults.

This is an original Cool+ lesson.

Introduction to Secondary STEM

Quick summary: This course will help you understand the essential foundations of STEM teaching and learning and provide opportunities to help build knowledge, skills and confidence to take on STEM in your classroom.