aidemia--modules-courseplan_type	Create a plan of a course
Which subject	Science
What age group	Year or Grade 6
What topic	habitats can be described by their physical conditions; changing the physical conditions of a habitat, including by human activity, may affect the growth and survival of organisms VC2S6U01
Number of lessons	7
Split into modules
Add goal and aims
Add intro
Add references
Any other preferences	This may involve students: identifying the physical conditions in an aquatic or terrestrial habitat and how they change over time investigating how changes to physical conditions such as salinity, soil type, sunlight and temperature affect plant growth examining how changes in physical conditions such as temperature, light availability and rainfall affect animals such as corals, honey bees and flying foxes, and predict impacts of these changes investigating Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ knowledges and understandings of the physical conditions necessary for the survival of certain plants and animals, for example researching the collaborative work of the Aboriginal Peoples of the Murray–Darling Basin wetlands with government and scientific groups to restore the wetlands through water research, planning and management, including reintroducing salt-tolerant native flora to improve ecosystem health and biodiversity investigating changes in physical conditions that a

Course Plan: Exploring Habitats and Their Physical Conditions

Introduction

Welcome to the Year 6 Science course on habitats! In this course, we will delve into the fascinating world of ecosystems and discover how their physical conditions shape the lives of the organisms that inhabit them. By exploring both aquatic and terrestrial habitats, we will examine how factors such as temperature, sunlight, soil type, and salinity influence plant and animal growth. We will also investigate how human activities can alter these physical conditions, ultimately affecting the survival of various species. Additionally, we will highlight Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples' knowledge and practices related to ecosystem health and restoration.

Course Goals and Aims

• To understand the concept of habitats and the physical conditions that define them.
• To investigate how changes in physical conditions affect the growth and survival of organisms.
• To develop critical thinking and scientific inquiry skills through hands-on investigations and research.
• To foster an appreciation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples' knowledge regarding ecosystems and habitat management.

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Habitats (Lessons 1-2)

Lesson 1: What is a Habitat?

• Objectives:
  • Define habitat and ecosystem.
  • Identify different types of habitats (e.g., aquatic, terrestrial).
• Activities:
  • Discussion on various habitats in Australia.
  • Group activity: Create a poster illustrating different habitats.

Lesson 2: Physical Conditions of Habitats

• Objectives:
  • Describe the physical conditions that characterize a habitat (light, temperature, soil, water).
• Activities:
  • Exploration of local park or school grounds to observe habitat conditions.
  • Journal entry: Document observations about a chosen habitat.

Module 2: Investigating Changes in Physical Conditions (Lessons 3-4)

Lesson 3: Environmental Factors Affecting Plant Growth

• Objectives:
  • Investigate how salinity, soil type, sunlight, and temperature affect plant growth.
• Activities:
  • Experiment: Grow plants under different soil types and light conditions.
  • Data collection: Measure growth weekly and chart results.

Lesson 4: Understanding Animal Adaptations to Habitat Changes

• Objectives:
  • Examine how physical conditions influence animal populations (e.g., corals, honey bees, flying foxes).
• Activities:
  • Research assignment on a chosen animal and its adaptation to habitat changes.
  • Class presentations on findings.

Module 3: Human Impact on Habitats (Lessons 5-6)

Lesson 5: Human Activities and Their Effects on Physical Conditions

• Objectives:
  • Explore how human activities (pollution, deforestation) change habitats.
• Activities:
  • Case study: Examine a local ecosystem affected by human activity.
  • Group discussion on mitigation strategies for habitat restoration.

Lesson 6: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives

• Objectives:
  • Investigate Indigenous knowledge surrounding habitats and sustainability.
• Activities:
  • Guest speaker session with local Indigenous community members.
  • Research project on the Murray–Darling Basin wetlands and collaborative restoration efforts.

Module 4: Predicting Ecosystem Changes (Lesson 7)

Lesson 7: Predicting the Future of Habitats

• Objectives:
  • Use knowledge acquired to predict the impact of physical changes on ecosystems.
• Activities:
  • Group project: Create a presentation predicting the future of a local habitat based on current changes.
  • Class discussion on conservation actions and the importance of biodiversity.

References

• Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). (2023). Science Curriculum. Retrieved from ACARA
• McGregor, H., & Hume, I. (2020). Australian Plants: Understanding Their Ecology (5th ed.). Sydney: Macmillan Education Australia.
• Ngu, H. (2021). Working with Indigenous Communities for Sustainable Wetland Management. Australian Journal of Environmental Education, 37(1), 23-45.
• Department of Environment and Energy. (2022). Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health: Key Indicators and Management Strategies. Retrieved from Department of Environment

This course intends to engage Year 6 students with hands-on, inquiry-based learning about habitats and the impacts of changing physical conditions. Enjoy your exploration into the wonders of science!