Skip to content

Adaptations of Living Things

Adaptations are structural, behavioural and functional changes over many generations.

  • ST3-4LW-S Examines how the environment affects the growth, survival and adaptation of living things. 
  • ST3-1WS-S Plans and conducts scientific investigations to answer testable questions, and collects and summaries data to communicate conclusions.
  • ST3-2DP-T Plans and uses materials, tools, and equipment to develop solutions for a need or opportunity.
  • Literacy capability 
  • Numeracy capability 
  • Information and Communication Technology capability 
  • Critical and Creative Thinking capability 
  • Personal and Social capability 
  • Ethical Understanding capability 
  • Intercultural Understanding capability. 

What Are Adaptations?

A variety of adaptation information and examples can be found on the National Geographic website:
https://www.nationalgeographic.org

Further reading about burrowing behaviour:
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/burrow/

For an online game about the evolution of bird adaptations:
https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/features/flaptothefuture/
 

Plant Adaptations

https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/Science/Rainforest-Conservation-Research/Rainforest-in-Australia/Unique-Features

Background reading on animal adaptations to fire:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-08/animal-response-to-bushfire-how-they-survive/11848948
 

Adaptations in a Changing World

Join Climate Watch with your class and help monitor changes to the behaviour of plants and animals. There are several teacher resources.
https://www.climatewatch.org.au

Get your students involved in Bush Blitz
https://bushblitz.org.au/

Useful websites for teaching about a changing world:
https://climatekids.nasa.gov/menu/teach/
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/family/activities-teach-kids-climate-change/

Climate change outdoor classroom games: