Overview
Koala needs a home is a whole day program immersing students in a sensory exploration of Toohey Forest. On the day students meet ‘Joey’ an apprentice wildlife carer who is keen to find a suitable release site for a rehabilitated koala. Students take on the role of ‘Bush Investigator’ and explore habitats and living things in Toohey Forest in order to assist ‘Joey’. Students read the story, Koala, koala, is this habitat for you? to gain background information on koalas. Our Window to the Forest mural helps students identify forest plants and animals, their features, their habitats and their basic needs.
Using a map, the students search for clues about living things in the forest, interpreting the map symbols throughout their journey. In the course of their search, students use their senses to enhance their knowledge of plant and animal homes in the forest. Equipment utilised in the delivery of this program includes sensory bags, analoupes and props such as puppets. Students also participate in an animal footprint art activity.
When Joey returns, students share their knowledge about habitats in Toohey Forest and receive a map to take back to school. The program concludes with students getting up close and personal with live animals and discussing their habitats and needs.
Koala needs a home has been assessed as medium risk. A Curriculum Activity Risk Assessment is available on request. An itinerary will be provided upon confirmation of your booking.
Curriculum Intent
Science Understanding
- Living things have basic needs, including food and water (ACSSU002)
Science Inquiry Skills
- Participate in guided investigations and make observations using the senses (ACSIS011)
HASS Inquiry Skills
- Interpret data and information displayed in pictures and texts and on maps (ACHASSI007)
HASS Evaluating and reflecting
- Reflect on learning to propose how to care for places and sites that are important or significant (ACHASSI009)