I investigate living things
Science and technology
Students explore the fascinating diversity of living things through hands-on scientific investigations in the natural environment. They observe, classify and compare the features of plants and animals, using both informal and formal grouping methods to understand how scientists organise the living world. Through engaging, sensory activities such as examining leaves and seed pods, searching for invertebrates, and modelling life cycles with natural materials, students develop their skills in observing, recording and communicating scientific ideas. The program also weaves in Dharawal language and stories, deepening students’ appreciation of local Culture and the interconnectedness of all living things.
Site options
| 10:00 | Introduction and Acknowledgement of Country |
| 10:20 |
Students observe the external features of preserved animals and group them in various ways. On a bushwalk, students use their senses to examine living things and their evidence on a bushwalk |
| 11:30 | Recess and toilets |
| 12:00 |
Students examine leaf shapes and/or seed pods and use them to identify and group plants. Students complete a scratch art of leaves, take a leaf rubbing or create ephemeral art using leaves |
| 1:00 | Lunch and toilets |
| 1:30 | Students search for invertebrates on land (leaf litter) or in the water (dipnetting) |
| 2:00 | Conclusion and depart |
* There may be variations to timetable based on specific location, group size and weather
Tier 2:
compare, observe, investigate, identify, classify, record, pattern, feature, cycle, representation
Tier 3:
invertebrate, vertebrate, external features, life cycle, habitat, classification, organism, seed pod, adaptation, environment
Science and technology K-6 Syllabus (2017)
Outcomes
- questions, plans and conducts scientific investigations, collects and summarises data and communicates using scientific representations ST2-1WS-S
- compares features and characteristics of living and non-living things ST2-4LW-S
Content
Classification of living things
- collect data and identify patterns to group living things according to their external features, and distinguish them from non-living things (ACSSU044) SysT
- identify that science involves making predictions and describing patterns and relationships (ACSHE050, ACSHE061) SciT
Life cycles of living things
- identify that living things have life cycles (ACSSU072)
- conduct an investigation into the life cycle of plants and/or animals (ACSSU072) SciT
"It was all about the classification of living things (both plants and animals). Students learned about classifying in informal ways (colour, texture) and formal ways (animal groups e.g. mammals, marsupials, monotremes). Students had really tactile experiences with knowledgeable leaders. There was also authentic integration of Dharawal language and Dreaming stories. My students loved the day and got a lot out of the sensory experiences...Very worthwhile!"