This term sees a strong Science focus as students investigate the biodiversity of the Mangroves and the adaptations of species which enable them to survive in this inter-tidal zone. The feeding relationships that exist within this ecosystem will also be discovered. There will be two excursions this term to environmental centres so that students may experience first –hand life in the mud.

 

 

The unit begins with the concept of biodiversity and as students investigate food chains and webs of the mangroves they discover how rich an ecosystem the mangrove is. With an excursion to Holloway’s Beach EEC in Week 6, students will identify species and consolidate knowledge of survival strategies. The many and varied uses of mangroves will also be investigated as will the health of our Johnstone River catchment’s mangrove population during a boat trip with the Daradgee EEC’s Sunbird in week 8. A forum will be held during week 9 which will allow student’s to hear differing viewpoints regrading the use and importance of mangroves.  Once in charge of all facts and view points students will then be asked to communicate their understanding of mangrove importance in a 150

sec speech in week 10.

Student assessment includes:

 

English: The term begins with consolidation of the Narrative in preparation of the year 7 NAPLAN test in week 4. Many skill lessons will also occur in both grammar and punctuation as well. Speaking and Listening will then become a focus learning area as students prepare two presentations throughout the term. The first is a 90 second slide and talk of a mangrove species researched. While the second is a more substantial presentation of student learning where students reflect on understanding gained from the unit and inform others of what they think about the importance of the mangroves. Learning Logs will be kept throughout the term to keep pace and record thoughts regarding new knowledge and understanding.

 

Maths:  Consolidation of concepts continues with new learning including time calculations, ratio and further percentage work. Preparation for NAPLAN testing is a priority for the first 4 weeks but after that will broaden to include maths investigations and extension work. The first half Go Maths test will be held in Week 7.

 

The beauty of the mangroves will be unearthed as students draw, design and create silk scarves. These scarves (works of art) will be auctioned at the end-of-term to raise money for Student Council Projects. An A3 poster highlighting the importance of the mangroves will also be designed and created using the PARC principles of design.

 

This term the focus will remain firmly within the communication range of using technology. Email, Internet research, communicating through Blogs are further developed while the use of PowerPoint or Photostory as tools to enrich presentations is also consolidated.

 

Schedule of Assessment: