Lesson 1 — Ecosystems: Living and Non-Living

Biological sciences, unit launch. Students revisit living and non-living things and are introduced to the idea of an ecosystem — all the living and non-living things in an area that depend on one another. Through a schoolground walk they observe and sort living and non-living things, then reason about what would happen to the ecosystem if one part were removed. Sets up the big question for the term: how do living things get what they need to survive? Includes a slide deck with an animated 'what makes an ecosystem' build-up, the Ecosystem Explorer worksheet, and the Living or Non-Living? sorting-card resource. Connects to Sustainability and to First Peoples' knowledge of Country (caring for Place).