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Teacher Notes...

 

This online resource addressses the following Australian Curriculum substrands (ACARA, 2012) for Year 4:

 

Science as Understanding

Living things have life cycles (ACSSU072)

 

Science as Human Endeavour

Science knowledge helps people to understand the effect of their actions (ACSHE062)

 

Science Inquiry Skills

With guidance, identify questions in familiar contexts that can be investigated scientifically and predict what might happen based on prior knowledge (ACSIS064)

Compare results with predictions, suggesting possible reasons for findings (ACSIS216)

 

At the end of the unit, students will: 

 

1. Understand that living things have life cycles, make predictions about life cycles and then record these observations. 

2. Use this understanding to explain basic stages of life cycles. 

3. Make comparisons between the life cycles of plants and animals.

4. Recognise and predict the effect of environmental influences on life cycles. 

 

This sample rubric and worksheet can be adapted to assess student understanding. 

 

Students are encouraged through web inquiry to take on the role of a Biologist with interactive instruction through use of an open-ended question tied to curriculum outcomes. Students complete an authentic task of how a Biologist would plan, investigate and report about life cycles (ACSIS064 and ACSIS216).  The use of indirect instruction and theme of being a Biologist, students build their scientific understanding using inquiry and problem solving skills (Nordin, Mohd, Zakaria and Embi, 2011). Initial information provided builds interest with follow-up information accessible. Use of guided questioning helps develop critical thinking skills, requiring higher order thinking to discover the answer. Coffman (2013, p.84) supports this stating that true scientific "provides very little information... in order for the student to investigate, discover and ultimately make predictions". Use of a webquest to answer a open-ended question through inquiry helps students plan their approach and methodology and supports the use of critical higher-order thinking skills (Subramaniam, 2012).

 

Student-centered, this experiential approach to learning helps students build knowledge rather than memorising facts and information (Etuk, Etuk, Etudor-Eyo and Samuel, 2011). Two approaches to the games were integrated into this resource- (1) teacher-designed games to directly test knowledge (eg. crossword, quiz with feedback) and (2) games for fun which included an educational element. Designing the games allows for targeted knowledge comprehension rather than the incidental learning of the externally linked games (Barbour, M., Rieber, L. P., Thomas, G. and Rauscher, D. (2009). The quiz on plant life cycles is a two-way interaction with teacher feedback provided. 

 

Students can choose to work collaboratively to exchange knowledge and ideas or independently. They self-determine the best way to record and present information helping create an inclusive environment, allowing flexibility in presentation of understanding. The resource activities can be attempted by a diverse range of learners. Diversity is catered for with the use of accessible activities and extension activities for gifted/talented learners. 

 

Students are encouraged to create with Show  Me, Padlet, Word or using their science journal. The classroom will already have a subscription to Scootle. External links have been selected as safe without links to inappropriate advertising or information. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All references are correct as at May 10, 2014.

 

Atanosian. A. (2012, December 13). Butterfly life cycle [video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOVpQ5UkD4k

 

Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority. (2012). Science: Foundation to Year 10 Curriculum. Retrieved from      

 

     http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/science/Curriculum/F-10

 

Barbour, M., Rieber, L. P., Thomas, G. and Rauscher, D. (2009). Homemade powerpoint games: A constructionist alternative to

 

     webquests. TechTrends: Linking Research & Practice to Improve Learning. Sep2009, Vol. 53 Issue 5, p54-59. 6p.

 

cama421. (2008, April 15). CB frog life cycle video [video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GGuEr-MQf4

 

Coffman, T. (2013). Using inquiry in the classroom: developing creative thinkers and information literate students. Rowman & Littlefield

 

     Education, UK.

 

Delgado, M. (2010, November 9). Living things: life cycles [video file]. Retrieved http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ey9arxH9k-4

 

Etuk, E., Etuk, G., Etudor-Eyo and Samuel, J. (2011). Constructivist instructional strategy and pupils’ achievement and attitude towards

 

     primary science. Bulgarian Journal of Science and Education Policy, Volume 5, Number 1, p30-47

 

Makemegenius. (2012, June 1). Humans Life Cycle Video for Kids - Science for Kids [video file]. Retrieved

 

     from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdprpVCIhu0#t=37

 

Mason, K. (2014, May 6). Effect life cycle [video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_qDrM_A-JU

 

Nordin, N., Mohd, N., Zakaria, E. and Embi, M. A. (2011). Development and evaluation of webquest for the science subject. International

 

     Journal of Learning, Vol. 18, Issue 5, p221-236. 16p

 

sfc7798. (2011, June 5). Life cycle of a plant [video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXzOi7-nx_w

 

Subramaniam, K. (2012). How webquests can enhance science learning principles in the classroom. The Clearing House, Vol. 85, Issue 6,

 

     p237-242. 6p

 

Images - web page

 

All top tens. (2014). Human life cycle [image]. Retrieved from http://alltoptens.com/top-10-things-will-never-change-time/

 

Goodbaum, B. (2012). Pollution [image]. Retrieved from http://news.thomasnet.com/IMT/2012/10/25/report-industry-is-main-culprit-of-

 

     pollution-problems-in-developing-countries/

 

Harris, M. (n.d.) Butterfly life cycle [image]. Retrieved from http://questgarden.com/120/22/8/110228062006/process.htm

 

KwizNET. (n.d.) Plant life cycle [image]. Retrieved from http://www.kwiznet.com/p/takeQuiz.php?

 

     ChapterID=1580&CurriculumID=7&Num=2.24

 

O'Sullivan, E. (2012). Frog life cycle [image].  Retrieved from http://sciencewithme.com/learn-about-frogs/

 

Pausas, J. P. (2012). Burnt banksia [image]. Retrieved from http://jgpausas.blogs.uv.es/2011/03/18/australia-born-to-burn/

 

Images - youtube presentation 

 

Australian Capital Territory Emergency Services Agency. (2013). Storm [image]. Retrieved from https://esa.act.gov.au/community-

 

     information/storms-and-floods/

 

Australian, The. (2012). Houses flooded [image]. Retrieved from http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/the-

 

     flood-uncovered/story-e6frgczx-1226302111325#mm-premium

 

Father of one [blog]. (2014). Frog eating fly [image]. Retrieved from http://www.fatherofone.com/the-pesky-fly/

 

Goodbaum, B. (2012). Pollution and smoke [image]. Retrieved from http://news.thomasnet.com/IMT/2012/10/25/report-industry-is-main-

 

     culprit-of-pollution-problems-in-developing-countries/

 

Huffington Post. (2014). Drought with sunset [image]. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-reese-halter/how-will-the-

 

     golden-state_b_4558058.html

 

Pausas, J. P. (2011). Banksia pod and fire [image]. Retrieved from http://jgpausas.blogs.uv.es/2011/03/18/australia-born-to-burn/

 

Science Network Western Australia. (2011). Banksia fire [image]. Retrieved from http://sciencewa.net.au/topics/environment-a-

 

     conservation/item/65-banksias-evolved-faster-with-fire-selection/65-banksias-evolved-faster-with-fire-selection

 

Sumatran Orangutan Society. (2014). Deforestation [image]. Retrieved from http://www.orangutans-sos.org/orangutans/crisis

 

Interactive websites

 

Brain Pop Jr. (2014). Plant life cycle: sequence game. Retrieved from http://www.brainpopjr.com/science/plants/plantlifecycle/

 

     sequenceorder/

 

British Broadcasting Corporation. (2014). MI High: Human life cycles. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks2/science/living_things/

 

     human_life_cycles/play/

 

British Broadcasting Corporation. (2014). MI High: Plant life cycles. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks2/science/living_

 

     things/plant_life_cycles/play/

 

Department of Education Tasmania. (2002). Life Cycles: Shape changing butterfly. Retrieved from http://www.scootle.edu.au/ec/viewing

 

     /L1358/index.html

 

Education Services Australia. (2011). Make it alive: spotted tree frogs. Retrieved from http://www.scootle.edu.au/ec/viewing/L6358/index.html

 

Mason, K. (2014). Crossword. Created from http://en.educaplay.com/

 

Mason, K. (2014). Frog jigsaw. Created by http://www.jigsawplanet.com/

 

Mason, K. (2014). Human life cycle matching. Created from http://en.educaplay.com/

 

Mason, K. (2014). Living things have life cycles: Plants. Made with http://www.classmarker.com/

 

Sheppard Software. (n.d.). Butterfly life cycle game. Retrieved from http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/scienceforkids/life_cycle/

 

     butterfly_lifecycle.htm

 

Further links

 

Annenberg Learner. (2014). Frog: Life Cycle. Retrieved

 

     from http://www3.canisius.edu/~grandem/butterflylifecycle/The_Lifecycle_of_a_Butterfly_print.html

 

British Broadcasting Corporation. (2014). Bitesize science: human life cycles. Retrieved

 

     from http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks2/science/living_things/human_life_cycles/read/1/

 

Centre for global environmental education. (n.d.). 'Frog'-quently Asked Questions (FAQ's). Retrieved

 

     from http://cgee.hamline.edu/frogs/science/faq1.html#life

 

Christiani, A. (n.d.). The life cycle of a butterfly. Retrieved from http://www3.canisius.edu/~grandem/butterflylifecycle/The_Lifecycle_of_a_

 

     Butterfly_print.html

 

Coffs Harbour Butterfly House. (2012). The life cycle of a butterfly. Retrieved from http://www.butterflyhouse.com.au/Educational-

 

     Information/Butterfly-Life-Cycle.aspx

 

Easy science for kids. (2014). All about growing up fom embryo to adult human being . Retrieved from http://easyscienceforkids.com/all-

 

     about-growing-up/

 

Easy science for kids. (2014). All about germination and reproduction of plants .  Retrieved from http://easyscienceforkids.com/all-about-

 

     germination/

 

Opler, P. A., Lotts, K. and Naberhaus, T. (2011). Life cycle of butterflies and moths. Retrieved from http://www.kidsbutterfly.org/life-cycle

 

The seed site. (n.d.). The life cycle of a plant. Retrieved from http://theseedsite.co.uk/lifecycle.html

 

Walton, R. (2001). Fermilab frog FAQs. Retrieved from https://ed.fnal.gov/projects/frogs/froggiesfaq.html

 

References

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