S4 Classification and adaptations excursion

Learning Activities

Mangrove classification and adaptations

• What are the structural features of local native plant species and how do they differ between groups?
• How do these features enable these plants to adapt to their environment?

Students will carry out a scientific investigation of the two local mangrove species located in the wetlands of Bobbin Head. By closely observing the structural characteristics such as leaves, roots, stems, and flowers, they will utilise this primary data to draw conclusions about how these features help the plants adapt to the difficult environmental conditions of the wetland.

Animal classification and adaptations 

• How is a local native animal adapted to living in its environment?
• How may observations of local animals be used to make inferences?

Students will conduct a scientific investigation of a local animal species. Through careful observations of the structural and behavioural features, students will use this primary data to make inferences about how these features allow the animal to adapt to the environmental conditions.

Plant adaptations

• What are the structural features of local native plant species and how do they differ between groups?
• How do these features enable these plants to adapt to their environment?

Students will carry out a scientific investigation of native plants found in the eucalypt forest. Utilising their senses and fieldwork tools, including a plant guidebook and a dichotomous key, they will identify selected plants by observing and measuring their structural characteristics. The students will then use this primary data to draw conclusions about how these features enable the plants to adapt to their environmental conditions.

Aboriginal connections and classification

• How are native plants classified by local Aboriginal Peoples?

Students will visit a cultural site to learn about Aboriginal connections to Country. Along the way, they will explore local Aboriginal Peoples use of native plants through sensory and hands-on activities. By drawing on their observations and experiences, they will gain a firsthand understanding of how they classify plants based on their uses.

Sample Timetable

NOTE: Variations to timetable based on specific location, group size and weather

Download the program flyer

Science 7-10 Syllabus 

Outcomes (2023)

A student:

> describes the unique features of cells in living things and how structural features can be used to classify organisms SC4-CLS-01

> uses scientific tools and instruments for observations SC4-WS-01 

> follows a planned procedure to undertake safe and valid investigations SC4-WS-04 

> communicates scientific concepts and ideas using a range of communication forms SC4-WS-08

Content

Classification of living things

• Classify species using scientific conventions from the binomial system of classification, including kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus and species
• Conduct an investigation to observe and identify the similarities and differences of structural features within and between groups of organisms
• Investigate how organisms in an Australian habitat are adapted to their environment and document findings in a written scientific report
• Interpret dichotomous keys to identify organisms surveyed in an Australian habitat
• Explain how plants and animals are classified in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures based on their uses, forms and functions

Science 7-10 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2023