Schoolyard safari | Science student learning resource | Field of Mars EEC
Resource overview
Schoolyard safari is a primary science and technology learning resource from Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre that guides students to observe, identify and describe invertebrates and other small animals in the school grounds or local environment. Through fourteen hands-on activities supported by videos, worksheets and teacher notes, students learn about habitats and microhabitats, practise safe collection methods, compare external features, and apply their observations by designing and making a model invertebrate. For more information on invertebrates, explore our invertebrate fact sheets.
Learning intention
- We are learning to investigate animals and describe their features.
Lesson 1 - Animal features and habitats
Students explore different animals and habitats, identifying basic external features and matching animals to the places where they live in the schoolyard or local environment.
Lesson 2 - Features of animals
Students closely examine a range of animals and invertebrates, using scientific vocabulary to describe and compare external features, and sorting animals into groups based on what they observe.
Lesson 3 - External features of invertebrates
Students investigate invertebrates found in the schoolyard, using magnifiers or digital microscopes to observe external features, record their findings and consider how these features help invertebrates survive.
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Resource overview