Available late Term 4
Note: we can also facilitate a Bush craft alternative that addresses the same outcomes without referencing Christmas.
Science and technology – living world, Geography – features of places
Program overview
Students learn about Australia's unique animals through an Australian Christmas story, craft activities and music. Students participate in craft activities including decorating a calico bag and gift wrap. They learn and sing an Australian Christmas song and accompany it with bush instruments.
Each participating school receives a native plant to improve habitat in their school grounds.
Session details
75 minutes. Up to 3 sessions (one class each) per day.
All sessions must be held in the same room due to the large amount of equipment and set-up required. Room and supply requirements will be detailed on your booking sheet.
Key syllabus outcomes
- Students describe observable features of living things and their environments ST1-4LW-S
- Students describe features of places and the connections people have with places (GE1-1)
- Students identify ways in which people interact with and care for places (GE1-2)
- Students use the forms to make artworks according to varying requirements (CA-VAS1.2)
Inquiry questions
- What are the external features of living things?
- What are the features of, and activities in, places?
- How can we care for places?
Content
Science and technology – External features of living things
Students:
- describe the external features of a variety of living things (ACSSU017)
- identify and group plants and animals using their external features
Geography – Features of places
Students:
- investigate features of places and how they can be cared for
Learning experiences
Story Time
Students listen to the text, Snowy’s Christmas by Sally Murphy and David Murphy.
Interactive presentation
Students are introduced to a range of native Australian animals through an interactive presentation and preserved animals. They consider ways to reduce waste during the holiday time before participating in hands-on craft activities.
Craft activities
Students rotate through a range of craft activities including: creating a calico gift bag using native animal stencils; decorating large pieces of paper (reused) to make gift wrap; and making a gift card.
Music
Students sing an Australian Christmas song and accompany it with homemade bush instruments.
Conclusion
All students receive a Bush Christmas temporary tattoo and the school receives a native plant to improve native habitat on school grounds.