Overview
Invertebrates - Adapt and Survive is a whole day program that transports students into the amazing world of invertebrates. At the start of the day, students meet a disgruntled Professor who needs to learn more about insect adaptation to get their career back on track. Students identify structural adaptations of native plants to determine if they would ideally survive in a wet or dry environment. Students sketch the iconic Australian grass tree and discuss Aboriginal People’s knowledge of the adaptations of this species, and their uses of different parts of the plant.
The program leads students on an adventure into Toohey Forest to locate and collect invertebrates using a variety of entomological equipment such as sweep nets, beating trays and collection jars. Whilst in the forest, students will find a wide variety of invertebrates, including moths, ants, spiders, termites, stick insects, centipedes, millipedes and beetles. Using a digital microscope, students examine in depth the structural features and adaptations that assist invertebrates to grow and survive in different environments. Of particular focus is the various adaptations that enable invertebrates to defend themselves.
Working in groups, students undertake a ‘Creature Feature’ activity where they design an insect with adaptations that are suitable for survival in a prescribed environment.
At the end of the day the Professor returns and students are given the opportunity to explain how particular structural features and behaviours of living things enable their survival.
The program concludes with a live animal presentation where student get up close with some of the EcoCentre inhabitants.
Invertebrates - Adapt and Survive has been assessed as medium risk. A Curriculum Activity Risk Assessment (CARA) is available on request. A student field booklet will be provided upon confirmation of your booking.
Curriculum Intent
Science Understanding
- Examine how particular structural features and behaviours of living things enable their survival in specific habitats (AC9S5U01)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures:
- First Nations communities of Australia maintain a deep connection to, and responsibility for Country / Place, and have holistic values and belief systems that are connected to the land, sea, sky and waterways (A_TSICP1)