Lesson summary
In this activity students explore the idea of food webs by undertaking a nature survey and identifying the role each organism plays in their schoolyard food web. Students are asked to record both indigenous and introduced species and how their presence affects the health and balance of the schoolyard food web.
Learning intentions:
Students will...
- design an investigation to find out how a species’ diversity is affected by habitats around the school.
- identify different habitats around the school and link these with different types of ecosystems.
- collect data about the school’s species diversity in different habitats.
- use data to analyse and draw conclusions.
Lesson guides and printables
Lesson details
Curriculum mapping
Australian Curriculum content descriptions:
Year 7 Science:
- Interactions between organisms can be described in terms of food chains and food webs; human activity can affect these interactions (ACSSU112)
- Summarise data, from students’ own investigations and secondary sources, and use scientific understanding to identify relationships and draw conclusions (ACSIS130)
Year 7 Mathematics:
- Identify and investigate issues involving numerical data collected from primary and secondary sources (ACMSP169)
Year 8 Science:
- Construct and use a range of representations, including graphs, keys and models to represent and analyse patterns or relationships, including using digital technologies as appropriate (ACSIS144)
Year 8 Mathematics:
- Investigate techniques for collecting data, including census, sampling and observation (ACMSP284)
- Explore the practicalities and implications of obtaining data through sampling using a variety of investigative processes (ACSMP206)
Syllabus Outcomes: SC4-7WS, SC4-15LW.
Resources required
- Computers or iPads
- Drawing materials
- Student Worksheet – one copy per student
Additional info
Following this lesson is an ideal way for students to participate in Planet Ark’s Schools Tree Day – the largest nature-care event in Australian schools. You and your students will join thousands of amazing teachers in making a difference, fostering a child’s love of nature and creating positive environmental change. So, get growing! It only takes a minute to register for Schools Tree Day.
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