Background

Animals have features that help them to survive in their environment. Damage to that environment affects the survival of those animals as it is not always possible for them to change where they live. A new environment may not provide their requirements.

Prior Knowledge

No prior knowledge necessary. This can be a pre-visit, post-visit or a stand alone activity.

Key Learning Question

How does the structure of a birds’ beak determine what they eat and how does this impact their survival?

Learning Intentions

In this program students will:

• Link the shape of a bird’s beak with its diet
• Understand that birds cannot change their beak if their food source is unavailable

Activities

Students will:

• Match six tools with six tasks such as cutting and breaking things apart
• Link the action of each of these tools with a specific bird’s beak
• Discuss the implications of the specificity of many birds beaks to their survival

Victorian Curriculum

Science - Biological sciences

• Living things have structural features and adaptations that help them to survive in their environment (VCSSU074)
• The growth and survival of living things are affected by the physical conditions of their environment (VCSSU075)

Learning Continuum

Ecolinc Learn Online is an online learning management system offering interactive online courses for students and teachers. These courses can be undertaken either as a pre-visit, post-visit or stand-alone. Students are encouraged to do the post-learning course after the Outreach program.