Adaptations | Primary science student learning resource
Learning Intention
We are learning about the structural and behavioural adaptations of living things.
These lessons help Stage 3 students learn how living things survive. Students explore the structural and behavioural features of plants and animals, and the strategies they use to cope with challenges in their environments. They practise key science skills such as gathering information, communicating clearly and investigating scientifically.
To guide their learning, students work with Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson’s Science Detective Agency, along with characters like The Explorer, Aussie Pat and Amalina the Investigator. These characters introduce vocabulary, model explanations and demonstrate how scientists investigate adaptations in the field.
These activities can be used to support an Adaptations incursion or excursion with Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre.
The Explorer
The Explorer works with students making sure they are ready to explore the science of living things and how they survive in their environments.
He will help you navigate the language we use when studying adaptations.
Aussie Pat
Pat is a keen observer who has a knack for spotting adaptations.
He will help you learn how to identify features on your own body that are adaptations.
Sherlock Holmes
Is an expert in adaptations and science communication and love to set challenges for people.
Along with Dr Watson they will help you learn how to elegantly explain adaptations.
Dr Watson
Is an expert in adaptations and science communication and love to set challenges for people.
Along with Sherlock Holmes they will help you learn how to elegantly explain adaptations.
Amalina the Investigator
Amalina is a brave adventurer who loves finding and investigating living things.
She will show you how she uses scientific thinking and methods to investigate what she suspects is an adaptation of a curious beast.
Lesson 1 - Survival of living things
Students review key science vocabulary and ideas about living things and survival by watching a video and completing a quiz on the language of survival.
Lesson 2 - Human adaptations
Students use their own bodies as case studies to identify structural and behavioural adaptations that help humans survive in their environment.
Lesson 3 - Explaining adaptations
Students research a plant or animal, then use Sherlock’s explanation formula to write and present a clear explanation of one adaptation.
Lesson 4 - Investigating adaptations
Students learn how scientists investigate adaptations in the field by watching a brush turkey investigation, then answer questions about scientific thinking, data collection and conclusions.
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Learning resources
Discover more primary learning resources from Field of Mars EEC.
Adaptations excursion
A field-based science and technology excursion where students investigate structural and behavioural adaptations of plants and animals in bushland and creek environments at Field of Mars Reserve, linking features to survival in their environments.
Adaptations incursion
A science incursion where students investigate structural and behavioural adaptations of animals, linking features to survival in Australian environments and changing conditions.
AR adaptations incursion
A digital science and technology incursion where students use augmented reality (AR) and design tools to visualise and create animals with specific adaptations, then explain how their features help them survive.