Lesson summary
Students will investigate the physical conditions of koala habitats and analyse how the changing conditions of these environments are impacting their survival. Students will also investigate how data is used by scientists and conservationists in order to identify and analyse issues relating to koala endangerment as well as inform how society responds to these challenges.
Learning intentions:
Students will...
- explore the impact of habitat destruction on koalas and investigate the threats facing their survival, recognising the importance of data collection in informing conservation efforts.
Success criteria:
Students can...
- describe the factors contributing to the need for koala rescue and rehabilitation
- outline the geographical distribution and physical features of koala habitats
- summarise how various types of data provide valuable insights into the health of koalas and their habitat and assess how this data is used to aid in conservation efforts.
Lesson guides and printables
Curriculum links
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Lesson details
Skills
This lesson is designed to build students’ competencies in the following skills:
- critical thinking
- global citizenship
- problem solving
Curriculum Mapping
Australian Curriculum (v9.0) content description:
Year 6 Biological Sciences
- investigate the physical conditions of a habitat and analyse how the growth and survival of living things is affected by changing physical conditions (AC9S6U01).
- investigate how scientific knowledge is used by individuals and communities to identify problems, consider responses and make decisions (AC9S6H02).
Relevant parts of Year 6 achievement standards: Students can explain how changes in physical conditions affect living things and can describe how individuals and communities use scientific knowledge.
NSW Syllabus outcomes: ST3-4LW-S
General capabilities: Critical and Creative Thinking
Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability
UN Sustainable Development Goals
UN SDG 15: 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
Resources Required
- Student devices for research
- Teacher device for sharing media
Additional Info
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: High - direct instruction and facilitating student research.
Related Professional Learning
Meet the NQS by Caring for the Environment
Education and care settings are places where children learn about self, others and the world. National Quality Standard (NQS) Element 3.2.3 requires every early childhood service to care for the environment and support children to become environmentally responsible.
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