Overview
1 hour per group
Background
Animals have a variety of amazing adaptations which help them to survive in their environment. Students will investigate various structural adaptations of vertebrates and invertebrates under a microscope, to gain a greater understanding of the importance of these features to their survival.
Prior Knowledge
No prior knowledge is required.
This can be a pre-visit, post-visit or a stand-alone activity.
Prior to the outreach visit, students are encouraged to explore and collect invertebrates from their school grounds, then examine their features under a microscope during the incursion session.
Key Learning Question
What specific features do animals have that help them to survive in their environment?
Learning Intentions
In this program students will:
- Compare and contrast between various features that are observable with the eye, through a magnifying glass and under the microscope
- Discover the structural adaptations of animals that enable them to survive in their environment
Activities
Students will:
- Use microscopes to have a detailed look at the features of reptile scales, various types of feathers, dragonflies, moths, worms, beetles and spiders
- Make inferences based on their observations
- Record and draw observations
Victorian Curriculum
Science – Science understanding
- 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)
- Organisms have evolved over time, as seen in fossils and scientific records; the structural features and behaviours of living organisms enable them to thrive in their environments (VC2S6U02)
Science – Science inquiry
- Investigable questions and reasoned predictions can be used in guiding investigations to identify patterns and test relationships (VC2S6I01)
- Data and information can be organised and processed to show patterns, trends and relationships by constructing representations including tables, graphs and visual or physical models (VC2S6I04)
- Scientific ideas, findings, patterns, trends and relationships can be communicated for a specific purpose and audience, using various presentation formats, scientific vocabulary and digital tools as appropriate VC2S6I06