Classification and Adaptations Year 7-8
Students will explore the classification of animals based on their adaptations, and roles within an ecosystem with a particular focus on mega and macrofauna.
Program description
This program will be available from Term 2, 2025.
In this program, students will delve into the concept of adaptations through the use of dichotomous keys and explore how a variety of animals play a key role in keeping ecosystems healthy and diverse.
By highlighting the ecological role of megafauna in shaping habitats and influencing ecosystem dynamics, students will gain insights into how these keystone species contribute to nutrient cycling, habitat engineering, and the regulation of other species populations. They will compare and contrast the roles of megafauna and invertebrates, while developing a comprehensive understanding of the diverse ways organisms interact within ecosystems to maintain balance and sustainability.
Students will learn:
- How to group and classify animals according to their features and adaptations.
- How to construct and interpret dichotomous keys to show relationships between organisms within different classifications.
- The role of megafauna and macrofauna and the way in which they interact to support a healthy ecosystem.
- The impact of humans on places, habitats and ecosystems.
Program sequence
Connect
Use the activities in the Teaching Guide (below) to spark students’ curiosity before their zoo visit.
Connect and Understand
During your Zoo Teacher workshop, students visit zoo habitats and explore artefacts to classify species based on their role within an ecosystem. By constructing food webs, students gain understanding of the relationships between species and the impact of humans on habitats and ecosystems. This understanding highlights the importance of healthy environments and the need for conservation programs in a real-world context.
Your zoo visit includes: An introduction to the day (for arrivals between 9.45 – 10am), Zoo Teacher workshop (30 minutes), Safari Bus Tour (40 minutes) and keeper talks. Check out your Teaching Guide for other ideas of what to do at the zoo.
Understand
Use activities in the Teaching Guide to deepen students’ learning back at school.
Act
Use the Teaching Guide to enable students to master their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts.
Program maps and itineraries
Your booking confirmation email will list your group's education workshop and Safari Bus Tour time/s. Each workshop time has its own map and suggested daily itinerary. Digital maps will be provided to you on the day.
Link to the maps and itineraries coming soon.
Program resources
Learning outcomes
Victorian Curriculum 7-8
There are similarities and differences within and between groups of organisms living on Earth; the development and use of classification tools, including dichotomous keys, help order and organise human understanding of the diversity of life (VC2S8U01)
Data and information can be organised and processed by selecting and constructing representations including tables, graphs, keys, models and mathematical relationships (VC2S8I04)
Plan your excursion
This program is an outdoor all-weather program; the students will need appropriate clothing for weather conditions. This could include a raincoat, hat and sun protection
School groups will enter Werribee Open Range Zoo via the Main Entrance. Organising teachers please check in with our Admissions team upon arrival. More information.
Book your education experience
Fill out an online form to request a booking for your zoo education experience
Request booking nowYou will need to know the following to book your zoo excursion or online workshop:
- Education program of your choice (if applicable)
- Preferred date
- School name and address
- Contact details of organising teacher
- Number of students/classes and their year level