AC9S6U01: Investigate the physical conditions of a habitat and analyse how the…
Investigate the physical conditions of a habitat and analyse how the growth and survival of living things is affected by changing physical conditions. Taught in lesson 2 (schoolyard microclimates) and lesson 3 (frost and growing season).
The Australian Curriculum: Science, version 9.0 outcome AC9S6U01 (Science understanding) for Year 6 says: “Investigate the physical conditions of a habitat and analyse how the growth and survival of living things is affected by changing physical conditions. Taught in lesson 2 (schoolyard microclimates) and lesson 3 (frost and growing season).” This Fieldbook unit teaches it hands-on, with everyday materials and a printable teacher guide and student sheet for every lesson. Official wording: Australian Curriculum: Science, version 9.0.
Weather Detectives Grade 5
Warm winter winds, the hottest spot in the schoolyard and the last frost of spring. Students measure weather fairly and find out why farmers care so much about it.
- Why does a chinook feel like spring in January? 50–60 min
Students test how moving air speeds up melting, then use a tabletop mountain and a few simple numbers to follow a parcel of air over the Rockies and find out why it arrives warm. They compare the chinook with similar winds around the world.
- Is it hotter by the slide? 50–60 min
Teams take thermometers into the schoolyard and measure the air temperature at the same spots, the same way, to find the warmest and coolest places. They learn why a fair measurement matters and explain the differences they find.
- Why do farmers care about the last frost? 50–60 min
Students compare frozen and fresh lettuce leaves to see what frost does to a plant, then use frost dates to work out the growing season in their own town and decide which crops have time to grow. They give planting advice backed by data.
Printable practice for AC9S6U01
These pages practise a closely related idea; the match to AC9S6U01 is partial.
- Weather Detectives workbook included with the unit
3 practice pages, 3 readings, 2 English-support pages, 1 word wall, 1 unit review, 1 unit test, with answer keys.
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Compared with NGSS: 3-ESS2-1 (partial).
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