School-yard Safari
Primary Connections: / Stage 1Essential Learnings by the end of: / Year 3
The world is teeming with animal life, even in the unexpected places. Mammals are a diverse group; however it is when smaller creatures such as insects are taken into account that the full extent of animal biodiversity becomes clear. Each animal, great or small, has adaptations that allow it to function in its habitat.
The Schoolyard Safari unit provides opportunities for students to investigate the diversity of life in their school-yard. The unit provides students with the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the needs of animals and their adaptations to meet these needs. Through investigations, students explore how different habitats have different populations of animals, each with their own adaptations allowing them to survive.
Primary Connections units are intended to be taught as whole units. The cross-referencing indicates how specific lessons relate to Ways of Working, within a whole unit.
In each cross-referencing document, there are shaded areas showing suggested teaching ideas that are not mentioned in the current Primary Connections resources. These ideas have been provided by Primary Connections personnel who are involved in the development of the cross-referencing document and the ideas are suggestions only, with teachers being encouraged to develop further ideas related to the Essential Learnings.
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Document shows actual links between Primary Connections and Essential Learnings
Shaded areas show possible/extension links
Primary Connections cross-referenced to Essential LearningsAdvice onlyWays of working
Lesson / Essential Learnings Statement /
/ Lesson 1 In the yard
Lesson 2 Wiggly Worms
Lesson 3 Slimy Snails
Lesson 4 Ant Antics
Lesson 6 Habitat Detectives / Pose questions and make predictions
/ Lesson 6 Habitat Detectives / Plan activities and simple investigations, and identify elements of a fair test
/ Lesson 1 In the yard
Lesson 2 Wiggly Worms
Lesson 3 Slimy Snails
Lesson 4 Ant antics
Lesson 5 Same or Different
Lesson 6 Habitat Detectives / Identify and collect data, information and evidence
/ Lesson 2 Wiggly worms
Lesson 3 Slimy Snails
Lesson 4 Ant Antics
Lesson 6 Habitat Detectives / Make judgments about the usefulness of the data, information and evidence
/ Lesson 2 Wiggly Worms
Lesson 4 Ant antics / Use identified tools, technologies and materials /
/ Lesson 2 wiggly worms
Lesson 4 Ant antics
Lesson 6 Habitat Detectives / Draw conclusions and give explanations, using data, information and evidence
/ Lesson 2 Wiggly Worms
Lesson 3 Slimy snails
Lesson 4 Ant Antics
Lesson 5 same or different
Lesson 6 Habitat Detectives
Lesson 7 Hidden in their habitat / Communicate scientific ideas, data, information and evidence, using terminology, illustrations or representations
/ Lesson 1 In the yard
Lesson 2 Wiggly worms
Lesson 6 Habitat Detectives / Follow guidelines to apply safe working practices
Indigenous perspective of insects in natural environments, food source, seasonal indicators, climatic indicators e.g. movement of insects prior to storm, cyclones etc
Invertebrates as indicators of water quality / Reflect on and identify other points of view relating to science in everyday situations
/ Lesson 2 Wiggly Worms
Lesson 6 Habitat Detectives
Lesson 7 Hidden in their habitat / Reflect on learning to identify new understandings
Knowledge and Understanding-
Science as a Human Endeavour- Science is a part of everyday activities and experiences
Lesson/teaching idea / Essentials Learning StatementMedications for allergies/ stings/ bites
Use of insects in crop control
Pollination of plants by insects
Use of insects as a food source e.g. honey production / Science has applications in daily life, including at home, at school, at work and in leisure time.
Lesson 2 Wiggly Worms (behaviour in breaking down vegetation, food mass)
Dung beetles in breaking down animal droppings / Science can impact on people and their environments
Resource 1 Code of ethics
Lesson 1 In the yard
What do scientists do?
What should we do to preserve the state of local natural environments? / Stewardship of the environment involves conserving natural resources
Indigenous perspective about invertebrates (their habitats, classification) invertebrates as seasonal indicators, invertebrates as a food source / Australian Indigenous knowledge of natural phenomena has developed over time as a result of people observing, investigating and testing in everyday life
Knowledge and Understanding-
Earth and Beyond- Changes in the observable environment influence life.
Seasonal variations in populations of small animals / Earth and space experience recurring patterns and natural cycles of events, including seasons, weather and moon phases, and these can affect living thingsExplore how ants use soil to make mounds e.g. termite mounds and their strength. / Materials of the earth can be used in various ways
Knowledge and Understanding-
Energy and change- Energy can be used for different purposes
Pushes and pulls affect the shape and motion of objects.Forms of energy, including electricity, light, heat, movement and sound, have different applications.
Knowledge and Understanding-
Life and Living- Needs, features and functions of living things are related and change over time
Lesson 2 Wiggly WormsLesson 3 Slimy Snails
Lesson 4 Ant Antics
Lesson 5 Same or different
Lesson 7 Hidden in their habitats / Animals, plants and non-living things have different features/characteristics
Investigate the life cycle of each of these animals / Change occurs during the life cycle of living things
Lesson 2 Wiggly worms
Lesson 6 Habitat Detectives
Lesson 7 Hidden in their habitats / Living things depend on the environment and each other
Offspring have similar characteristics to their parents
Knowledge and Understanding-
Natural and Processed Materials- Materials have different properties and undergo different changes
Materials are categorised according to their observable propertiesProperties of familiar materials may be changed.
Links to Essential Learnings from other Key Learning Areas.
Lesson/teaching idea / Key Learning Area / Essential Learning StatementLesson 1 In the yard / Maths / Obvious features in everyday environments can be represented and located on simple maps and plans
Animal trapping and identification / Technology / Reflect on the uses of technology and describe the impact in everyday situations
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Document shows actual links between Primary Connections and Essential Learnings