Sustainable Sanctuaries: Gum Trees, Koalas, and Biodiversity Bliss

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

• adaptability
• creative thinking
• collaboration
• curiosity
• empathy
• reflection

Australian Curriculum (v9.0) content description:

Year 3 Science:

• compare characteristics of living and non-living things and examine the differences between the life cycles of plants and animals (AC9S3U01)

Relevant parts of Year 3 achievement standards: Representing stages of a plant or animal’s life cycle using drawings, digital photographs, graphic organisers or concrete materials

NSW Syllabus outcomes: compares features and characteristics of living and non-living things (ST2-4LW-S)

General capabilities: Ethical Understanding,  Literacy

Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability 

UN SDG 1.5: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

• Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species

• Computer
• Glue sticks
• Internet connection
• Open space to play the game
• Printer and paper for printing
• Projector or large screen for videos
• Scissors

This lesson has been created in partnership with WWF-Australia and made possible thanks to its proud supporter, Australia Post.

In 2022, koalas on Australia’s east coast were officially listed as an endangered species, after dramatic population decline. Habitat destruction, climate change and extreme weather events including bushfires and floods have had a significant impact on koalas.

As one of Australia’s most trusted conservation organisations, WWF is working tirelessly to turn this tragedy around with Australia Post joining them in their mission to double koala numbers across eastern Australia by 2050.

Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – facilitate class discussion and game

Investigate How Animals are Impacted by Their Environment

Almost 70% of 7-12 year olds have heard about climate change. This course will help inspire your students to feel optimistic about their future by investigating how animals adapt to climate change. You’ll discover how to teach curriculum-aligned lessons using WWF-Australia’s Earth Hour.