Habitats and Ecosystems

Lesson Overview

Year Level: Year 1
Subject: Other
Unit: Exploring Our World (Lesson 8 of 15)
Duration: 40 minutes
Class Size: 20 students
Curriculum Area: Science – Biological Sciences (Australian Curriculum: ACSSU211)
Theme: Exploring habitats (forests, deserts, oceans) and the plants and animals that live in them

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Identify key Australian habitats – forests, deserts, and oceans
• Recognise different plants and animals that live in each habitat
• Describe how animals and plants depend on their habitat to survive

---

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction – 5 minutes

Hook: "Habitat Mystery Bag" – Bring a small bag containing objects related to different habitats (e.g. a seashell, a leaf, a toy kangaroo)

• Pull out each object one at a time and ask, "Where would we find this?"
• Discuss how different plants and animals live in different habitats

Teacher Talk: "Today, we are going to explore three Australian habitats – forests, deserts, and oceans. We’ll learn which animals and plants live in each and why they are perfect for their homes!"

---

2. Main Learning Activities – 25 minutes

A. Habitat Exploration Game (10 minutes) – Active & Collaborative

• Label three areas of the room as Forest, Desert, and Ocean using posters or visual cues
• Show students an image or name of an Australian animal or plant (e.g. koala, emu, coral)
• Students "migrate" by moving to the correct habitat
• Ask them why they chose that habitat (e.g. "Why does a koala live in the forest and not the desert?")

B. Sensory Habitat Table Sounds (10 minutes) – Multi-Sensory Learning

• Set up three small stations with sensory materials:
  • Forest: Leaves, soil, bird sounds
  • Desert: Sand, small rocks, wind sound effects
  • Ocean: Water tray, shells, ocean wave sounds
• Rotate students in small groups to explore each habitat with their senses
• Discuss how each habitat feels, looks, and sounds different

C. Quick Draw (5 minutes) – Creativity & Reflection

• Each student picks their favourite habitat and draws an animal that lives there
• Encourage them to include something that animal needs to survive (e.g. trees for a possum)
• Students share their drawings with a partner and explain their choices

---

3. Wrap-Up and Reflection – 10 minutes

Discussion Questions:

• "What would happen to an animal if its habitat disappeared?"
• "What can we do to help protect forests, deserts, and oceans?"

Exit Ticket:
Each student completes the sentence: "My favourite habitat is ____ because ____."
They place their answers in a "Habitat Box" before leaving

---

Differentiation

• Support: Use real-life picture cards for students who need more visual support
• Extension: Students describe how a habitat changes across different seasons

---

Assessment

✔️ Observation – Participation in the movement game and discussion
✔️ Quick Draw Task – Understanding of habitats through creative expression
✔️ Exit Ticket Response – Ability to articulate personal learning and favourite habitat

---

Resources & Materials

📌 Printed animal and plant cards
📌 Sensory materials (sand, leaves, water, shells)
📌 Speakers for playing habitat sounds
📌 Student drawing materials (paper, crayons)

---

Teacher’s Reflection (After Lesson)

• What went well?
• Which habitat did students engage with the most?
• Any changes needed for next time?

---

This lesson goes beyond just “telling” students about habitats – they feel it, move through it, and experience it in a playful and engaging way! 🌏🐨🌿