Science Lesson Plan for Year 6 Students in New Zealand

Subject: The Living World - The Concept of Change

Lesson Duration: 57 minutes

Class Size: 48 students

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Lesson Overview:

This lesson focuses on the understanding of ecological concepts, specifically looking at the changes within the living world. Students will explore how various factors influence change in ecosystems, such as seasonal transformations, human impact, and natural phenomena.

Curriculum Area and Level:

• Curriculum: The New Zealand Curriculum
• Learning Area: Science
• Strand: Nature of Science
• Curriculum Level: Level 3

Key Competencies:

• Thinking
• Using language, symbols, and texts
• Relating to others
• Participating and contributing

Link to Curriculum: NZ Curriculum - Science

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Lesson Objectives:

By the end of this session, students should be able to:

1. Describe ways in which plants and animals respond to changes in their environment.
2. Understand the impacts of natural and human-induced changes on local ecosystems.
3. Demonstrate ways to care for the environment to promote ecological sustainability.

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Resources Required:

• Interactive whiteboard or projector
• Internet connection for video presentation
• Handouts of local ecosystem diagrams
• Images and videos of different ecosystems experiencing various changes
• Worksheet for group activity
• Materials for model ecosystem: cardboard, markers, glue, scissors, magazines for cut-outs

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Lesson Structure:

Introduction (10 minutes)

• Greeting and Settling: Welcome students and outline the objectives of today's lesson.
• Engaging Question: Ask, "Have you noticed any changes in your local environment? What caused these changes?"
• Video Presentation: Show a brief video that illustrates changes in various New Zealand ecosystems over time (for example, changes in a forest ecosystem through different seasons).

Main Activity (35 minutes)

Group Activity: Impact of Change on Ecosystems

• Step 1: Divide the class into small groups and distribute the ecosystem handouts and resources.
• Step 2: Each group selects one factor of change (seasonal, human impact, or natural phenomena) and discusses its potential effects on their assigned ecosystem.
• Step 3: Groups create a visual model (using the provided materials) that illustrates the before and after states of their ecosystems due to the selected change.
• Step 4: Each group prepares a short presentation describing their model and findings.

Class Discussion (7 minutes)

• Groups present their models and findings.
• Discuss the different types of changes observed and their effects on ecosystems.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

• Summarize key points learned about changes in the living world.
• Highlight the importance of sustainability and responsible interactions with the environment.

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Assessment:

• Observations of group discussions and interactions.
• Assessment of the presentations and models for understanding and creativity.
• Worksheet filled out during the video to assess individual understanding of the concepts introduced.

Follow-up:

• Students could research and present a local conservation effort aimed at mitigating human impact on ecosystems.
• Encourage students to participate in a local clean-up or tree-planting activity to further understand human roles in ecological sustainability.

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Note to Teachers: Adjust group sizes and activities based on class response and engagement. Ensure all students participate actively in discussions and activities.