Experiencing invertebrates in your green space

Introduction

Use this resource to experience invertebrates (insects) in your school grounds or another local green space.

This resource is part of the Protecting your environment series, to encourage primary and intermediate students to go outdoors, explore and connect to a local green space.

Published: 2016

Experiencing invertebrates in your green space cover.

Download the resource

Experiencing invertebrates in your green space (PDF, 3,660K)

Factsheets

Download the invertebrates factsheets:

Google slideshows

Kaitieke School students identifying insects in their green space using the NZ Invertebrates ID guide.
Students identifying insects using the NZ Invertebrates ID guide
Image: Marie McDonald

Learning outcomes

Using this resource students will:

  • connect with and learn about invertebrates and begin to group/ classify them
  • gather and interpret data about native and introduced invertebrates living in a local green space
  • begin to understand how invertebrates are part of a wider ecosystem.

Note: This resource is about land invertebrates.

Curriculum links

Level 1-4 Science

Students looking at invertebrates.
Verran School students investigating invertebrates

  • Living World: Evolution, Ecology, Life Processes
  • Nature of Science: Investigating in science, communicating in science, Understanding about science, Participating and contributing
  • Planet Earth and Beyond: Earth systems

English: Listening, reading and viewing, Speaking, writing and presenting, Ideas
The arts: Music, visual arts
Mathematics: Statistics

Science capabilities

  • Gather and interpret data
  • Use evidence
  • Critique evidence
  • Interpret representations
  • Engage with science

Learning sequence

  1. Experience and connect with invertebrates in your green space through the introductory activities
  2. Planning your investigation and learning about NZ invertebrates
  3. Gathering and reflecting on data about invertebrates in your green space
  4. Extending thinking about invertebrates
  5. Sharing knowledge and taking the next steps in exploring your green spaces

Learning levels

  • Primary
  • Secondary 

Topics

  • Native animals
  • Forests and green spaces

Curriculum learning areas

  • Science
  • Social science
  • Education for sustainability
  • English
  • Maths and statistics

Webinars 

Webinars are available to view on the Science Learning Hub website. They use the Exploring your local environment resources to model how conservation education can support student inquiry into a local green space:

Special thanks to Science Learning Hub for partnering with us to deliver these fantastic webinars.

Contact

For questions or feedback about these resources, email engagement@doc.govt.nz. 

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