Activity
Episode 34
20th November 2012
Animal Rescue
Key Learning
Students will develop a deeper understanding of Australian native animals and the threats to its habitat and
survival.
The Australian Curriculum > Science / Science Understanding / Biological sciences
Content description & Elaboration
Living things have structural features and adaptations that help them to survive in
their environment. Code ACSSU043
 explaining how particular adaptations help survival such as nocturnal
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behaviour, silvery coloured leaves of dune plants
describing and listing adaptations of living things suited for particular
Australian environments
General capabilities
Literacy
Critical and creative thinking
Cross-curriculum priorities
Sustainability
The growth and survival of living things are affected by the physical conditions of
their environment. Code ACSSU094
 researching organisms that live in extreme environments such as Antarctica
or a desert
 considering the effects of physical conditions causing migration and
hibernation
Focus Questions
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Describe what happened to the koalas in the Animal Rescue story.
Why were the koalas flown to Adelaide for medical help?
What is meant by the following statement: `Many koalas lost their habitat.’
Describe Nala’s injuries.
The koala has a strong immune system. True or false?
Why is infection a concern?
What other animals are at risk during a bushfire?
What are some other factors that might contribute to a native animal losing its habitat?
Do you think it is important to help save Australian native animals that are injured? Why or why not?
What do you understand more clearly since watching the BtN story?
Activity
Define these words
The following words come from the BtN Animal Rescue story. Discuss as a class what the following key
words mean in relation to Australian native animals. Ask students to check the meanings.
 Habitat
 Native
 Bushfire
©ABC 2012
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Wildlife
Profile of a native Australian animal
Students will be researching and developing a profile on one native Australian animal, to gain a deeper
understanding of that animal (e.g. koala, kangaroo, possum, echidna, or cockatoo) and how it survives in its
habitat. Ask students to investigate the following:
 Make a list of 10 characteristics that you commonly associate with this Australian animal.
 What do they eat?
 What animal group do they come from?
 Where can they be found? Describe their natural habitat.
 How do they survive in their environment?
 Compare the habitat requirements to another native animal. What are the similarities and
differences?
 Are they an endangered species?
Extension ideas
Ask students to research one or more of the following questions, using Australian native animals as
examples, and then present their findings in an interesting way.
 Describe how some Australian animals use their senses to protect themselves and to find food.
 Investigate the ways in which the bodies of animals assist in their survival.
 Habitat loss is one of the main factors that can lead to a species being threatened with extinction.
List how an animal’s habitat might be destroyed or disturbed.
 Can you think of some ways in which we can help prevent loss of habitat for Australian native
animals?
 Describe how you would feel if you were a native animal that had been forced out of its environment
Encourage students to gather information from a variety of sources. There are some website links at the end
of this activity sheet that may be helpful. Negotiate with students how they are going to present their profile.
These could include:
 Poster
 Prezi presentation http://prezi.com/index/
 Brochure
 Oral presentation
 Web page
 Glogster online poster maker http://www.glogster.com/
Design a koala safe school
Research the major safety issues for koalas and develop solutions to help koalas avoid harm. Some of the
issues that koalas in the wild may encounter include: bushfires, dog attack, drowning in swimming pools and
access to water during droughts.
Ask students to present their findings in an interesting way:
 Present your designs at a school assembly or display them at the front office.
 Develop a video outlining how to keep koalas safe in your area and present it to the school.
 Invent, design and build a particular product to help keep koalas safe.
Inquiry questions
 What are the most common causes of injury or death of koalas?
 Which of these are caused by humans?
 What changes can people make to our behaviour and to our homes/schools to keep koalas safe?
 Are there particular times of the year when koalas are more likely to need help from people?
 What role can design (gardens, architecture, products) play in keeping koala's safe?
©ABC 2012
Reflection
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What are some things you would do the same in your next research inquiry, and what might you do
differently?
What do you understand more clearly now?
Further Investigation
Create a habitat garden at your school. Students research the habitat requirements of a native animal (e.g.
mammal, butterfly or bird) and design a school garden to increase the amount of habitat available to these
animals in your area. Contact your local council for tips and hints on what works in your area.
 Related Research Links
ABC Adelaide – Fire fighters recue koalas from South Australian bushfires
http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2012/11/12/3630481.htm
ABC Open – Rescued from fire
https://open.abc.net.au/posts/rescued-from-fire-76sj1em
Department of Primary Industries NSW – Caring for native animals after bushfires
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/96816/caring-for-native-animals-after-bushfires.pdf
Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources – Living with Wildlife
http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/Plants_Animals/Living_with_wildlife
Behind the News – Animal Rescue
http://www.abc.net.au/btn/story/s2502337.htm
©ABC 2012