Adaptations: Australia’s ancient animals
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Audience
Primary school -
Learning stage
Stage 2, Stage 3 -
Learning area
Science -
Type
Museum educator-led
© Australian Museum
About the program
This exciting education program for Stage 2 and Stage 3 builds knowledge about the adaptations of prehistoric animals including Australian dinosaurs and megafauna.
Students will learn about extinct Australian animals by examining fossil material from the Museum’s palaeontology collection.
Through hands-on activities students will identify and describe the structural and behavioural adaptations of animals and consider how these adaptations affect survival in different environments.
Students will also work scientifically as they use evidence and observations to support their explanations and ideas.
This program takes place within Burra, the Australian Museum's bespoke learning space.
Learning objectives:
In this program students will:
- develop knowledge and vocabulary around the adaptations of extinct Australian animals.
- examine fossil evidence.
- make connections between an animal’s adaptations and its survival in an environment.
- collaborate to solve problems and apply critical thinking skills.
Audience: This program is bookable for Stages 2–3
Cost: $10 (GST included) per student with a minimum cost of $100 per session
Duration: 45 minutes
Capacity: Up to 30 students per session
Term: Term 1–4 2025
Dates: Monday-Friday
Times: 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:15pm & 1:15pm
A Day at the Museum for disadvantaged schools
If you are classified as a disadvantaged Australian primary and/or secondary school with an ICSEA value of less than 1000, or a special school, as defined by the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) you may be eligible for our A Day at the Museum program.
The program was a perfect fit for our animal adaptation unit, providing an invaluable hands-on experience that is difficult to replicate in the classroom. The students had access to manipulatives that enriched their understanding in a dynamic learning environment. As a STEAM specialist, the lesson sparked ideas for future lessons, and I’m excited to explore these concepts further with the students when we return to school. The educator was exceptional—calm, knowledgeable, and engaging, and the students responded wonderfully to her. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience! K. Voysey, Year 5, Trinity Grammar Junior School
