Students collect junk mail from home and bring it to the class to conduct a mathematical investigation. Students engage in a range of mathematical investigation around their junk mail, including counting the number of pieces of junk mail collected, weighing the mail, measuring the length and area the mail covers. The class will then make their own ‘no junk mail’ sign to take home. Students will know what junk mail is and why it is used, recognise the environmental impacts of junk mail and know some actions they can take to reduce the negative impacts of junk mail on our environment.  Students will know a range of ways we can use maths to measure real world objects, be able to think critically about junk mail, measure, sort and compare objects mathematically, as well as participate in class discussions and activities.

This is a lesson plan with an associated Student Worksheet. In this lesson, students use their observation skills to explore our environment. They will explore some of the amazing colours, shapes, patterns and textures that can be found in nature. The class will walk around the school or a nearby park, spot as many colours as they can, observe the different shapes and patterns found along the walk and feel the different textures of a variety of objects. Students will build on their skills to recognise and classify familiar two-dimensional shapes and three-dimensional objects using obvious features. They will use a range of methods to sort information, including drawings, and learn about how to behave in a safe manner while outdoors.

Students complete a classroom audit and explain how appliances are used in their homes and classroom each day. They will represent data with objects and drawings where one object or drawing represents one data value. Students will understand how people use science in their daily lives, including when caring for their environment and living things. Students wil be able to classify a range of everyday appliances in terms of their energy usage and record and tally items around the classroom and at home.

Students set up a conservation project that will assist local biodiversity by providing local wildlife with a safe place to drink water. They will measure and compare the lengths and capacities of pairs of objects using uniform informal units, give and follow directions to familiar locations and participate in different types of guided investigations to explore and answer questions, such as manipulating materials, testing ideas, and accessing information sources. Students will be able to use a set criteria to select an appropriate location for a bird bath and make simple measurements in regards to the set up and up-keep of a bird bath.

Children explore the features of natural objects by sorting them according to their different characteristics (such as weight, size, colour and texture). They then experiment with using them to make patterns, by either laying them out, creating pattern collages or using them to stamp into play-dough or paint. This activity is designed to help connect children to the wonders of the natural world through sensory and play-based learning. This activity is designed to be taught outside. By spending time outdoors and connecting to nature, children are more likely to care for and conserve nature as adults.

In this lesson students identify and explore different types of patterns. They develop their understanding of pattern using sound, movement and drawing and then create patterns using natural items which they find themselves. This lesson is designed to be taught outside. By spending time outdoors and connecting to nature, students are more likely to care for and conserve nature as adults.