Knowledge of our world and beyond inspires sustainable solutions - Adaptations support survival

Living things may change over millions of years, in response to their environments

• Observe behavioural and structural adaptations of plants and animals, and suggest how these may help them survive in their environments
• Examine and explain how the characteristics of flowers, fruit and seeds are adaptations for reproduction in plants
• Identify and describe how the loss or introduction of plants or animals affects an Australian ecosystem
• Describe how Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ sustainable practices continue to protect the environment

• ST3-SCI-01 uses evidence to explain how scientific knowledge can be used to develop sustainable practices
• ST3-PQU-01 poses questions to identify variables and conducts fair tests to gather data
• ST3-DAT-01 interprets data to support explanations and arguments

Activity 1 - Natives vs Lantana - A growing problem!

Students use a plant field guide to identify native plants at Brewongle. They are taken on a guided bush walk to observe the contrast between a native species dominant forest and a lantana-invaded forest and learn about the impact of invasive species on the ecosystem. 

Activity 2 - Plant Adaptations Hunt

Go on a hunt for sun catching, water saving and fire proof plants at Brewongle. Which ones can you find the most of? Students use the Freeform App on iPads to photograph and describe adaptations that local native (Dry Sclerophyll) plants have. Students focus on particular plants, analysing how certain features make them well adapted to bushfire.

Activity 3 - Traditional fire practices

Students learn about traditional fire practices and solve a land management puzzle before attempting to start a fire using the traditional hand-drill method.