Adaptations and Features Year 5-6
Students can learn about an animal’s environment and behaviour through the power of observation, this can help us all to understand how we might help wildlife and fight extinction.
Program description
In Adaptations and Features Year 5-6, students will discover the connections between animals past and present – their structural features, adaptations and dependence on delicate ecosystems for survival.
Students will analyse skulls, explore artefacts and visit zoo habitats to understand the complex world of animals. Students can use their newfound understanding of animal adaptations to identify features, classify the incredible creatures at the zoo and discover the connections between all living things. Could an understanding of animal adaptations help them to learn how to care for the world’s wildlife?
Students will learn:
- How to observe the structural and behavioural adaptations of animals to survive in their environment
- About ecosystems and what animals need to thrive in their environment
- The impact of humans on places, habitats and ecosystems
Program sequence
Connect
Use the activities in the Teaching Guide (below) to spark students’ curiosity before their zoo visit.
Connect and Understand
Students will be challenged to classify animals, determine what adaptations they have to help them survive and what threats they are facing in the wild. By understanding what animals require to thrive in the wild, students will learn how they can adapt their behaviour to ensure species survival.
Your zoo visit will include: Introduction (for arrivals between 9:40am – 10am), Zoo Teacher workshop (40 minutes) and keeper talks. Check out your Teaching Guide for other ideas of what to do at the zoo.
Understand
Use activities in the Teaching Guide to deepen students’ learning back at school.
Act
Use the Teaching Guide to enable students to master their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts.
Program map and itineraries
Your booking confirmation email will list your group's education workshop/s and safari bus tour time. Each workshop time has its own map and daily itinerary. Paper maps will be provided to you on the day.
Program resources
Learning outcomes
Victorian Curriculum 5-6
Living things have structural features and adaptations that help them to survive in their environment (VCSSU074)
- Through insightful observations, students will learn about structural and behavioural adaptations and how they help animals to survive in their environment
The growth and survival of living things are affected by the physical conditions of their environment (VCSSU075)
- Students will learn about the fragile nature of ecosystems, what animals need to thrive in their environment
Describe and explain interconnections within places and between places, and the effects of these interconnections (VCGGC087)
- Students will learn about the impact of humans on places, habitats and ecosystems
Plan your excursion
Animal Adaptations and Features is an outdoor all-weather program; the students will need appropriate clothing for weather conditions. This could include a raincoat, hat and sun protection.
School groups will enter Melbourne Zoo via the Rail Gate entrance. Organising teachers please check in with our Admissions team upon arrival. More Information.
Book your education experience
Fill out an online form to request a booking for your zoo education experience
Request booking nowYou will need to know the following to book your zoo excursion or online workshop:
- Education program of your choice (if applicable)
- Preferred date
- School name and address
- Contact details of organising teacher
- Number of students/classes and their year level