Lesson Plan 8: Zoo Excursion.

Jessica Baker

Rationale: This lesson will extend the students knowledge of animals in their environments in a handson exploration of animals in the wild life. They will be introduce to Australian native animals and their habitats, be informed about the needs of each animals and why they live in particular habitats due to weather conditions. Key Scientific Knowledge: - Reasons for Migration: better climates, food, protect young and a new place to live. Examples of animals that migrate are salmon and humpback whales (Southern, 2011). - Reasons for Hibernation: An inactive period of animals due to cold temperatures. Examples of animals that hibernate are bears and bats (Southern, 2011). - Reasons for Dormancy: A period of inactivity where growth slows due to seasonal changes. Examples of this are bears and plants (Southern, 2011). - Reasons for Camouflage: This is an outward colouration that allows animals to appear similar to the plants and places in which they live to help blend in with the environment. Examples of animals that camouflage are frogs and polar bears (Southern, 2011). - Australian native animals include Kookaburras, Possums, Koalas, Wombats, Echidnas, Kangaroos, Blue tongue lizards, Goannas (Monash University, 2006). KLA (s): Science, English, HSIE Objectives: To explore different environments and habitats and how these may vary in the different seasons. Importance of protecting and sharing habitats. To differentiate between the animals: how they feel, look and survive in their particular habitat. Outcomes & Indicators Earth and space DST1-8ES: Describes some observable changes that occur in the sky and landscapes Observe and record environmental changes that occur over a longer time to identify patterns of events, eg. Seasonal changes in temperature and the appearance of the moon. Living world ST1-10LW: Describes external features, changes in and growth of living things. Describe some external features of a variety of living things, including plants and animals Use a range of methods, including fieldwork, to identify plants or animals in their local area ST1-11LW: Describes ways that different places in the environment provide for the needs of living things Explores the needs of a plant or animal in its environment Observe the different places in a local land or aquatic environment where living things can be found, eg a school yard, pond, beach or bush. Describe how some different places in a local land or aquatic environment provided for the needs of the animals or plants that live there. Resources & Equipment: Classroom organisation: - One supervising adult per five students. Bus Taronga Zoo Parent helpers or additional staff Role of all children attending excursion Lesson Development: - Students will catch a bus as a group to Taronga zoo to take part in the Rescue Rangers: Backyard to Bush excursion. - Here they will have the opportunity to explore the bush area with a ranger to find out what

animals live there and what plants are about. -They will interact with local animals that inhabit the bush. - Learn about different habitats and what animals need to survive. - Explore the animals adaptations/features and why these have formed. - Investigate both wet and dry environments. When looking at the habitats discuss possible reasons for the selection of this particular location to encourage further thinking of seasonal change and the effects weather can have on animals choosing particular habitats. Once returned to school have a group discussion forming a brainstorm on the IWB of interesting fact the students remembered from the day. Pose questions to the students about key concepts of animals behavioural r esponses to environmental changes. - Migration, Hibernation, Dormancy and Camouflage will be discussed here. Support: Facilitate through supporting questions, allowing students time to discuss their answers with peers before responding to questions. Extend: Encourage students to answer questions thoughtfully and in-depth to gain a greater understanding.