, The Earth and Us

As part of our Integrated Unit, The Earth and Us, Year 4 have explored different environments and their characteristics across Asia and Australia, and have learned to communicate their understanding through poetry and persuasive writing. Throughout the unit, the boys have broadened their knowledge of natural resources and how they provide for us, as well as other living things, and gained an understanding as to why it’s important to protect them.

Our excursion to Taronga Zoo provided the perfect platform to observe animals within their natural habitat and consider their needs for survival. Persuasive writing was used to convey the ideas of the students about what type of environments animals needed to survive and thrive amongst our natural resources, and why we should visit them next time we are at the zoo.

Penguins are undoubtedly one of the cutest animals with exceptional survival skills. You normally see them in the zoo but no matter what zoo it is, it always has ice, snow and water. Why is that? Animals like penguins who have thick layers of fur will become overheated, so it’s necessary these animals have cooler environments.

Levi and Edmond

The cassowary belongs in a bushy and dense environment. The cassowary dwells in the Daintree Rainforest which has a large space for movement; this was incorporated into their enclosure at Taronga Zoo. The reduced amount of predators kept the cassowary safe, yet the humans around it kept it completely aware.

As cassowaries are solitary animals, they are kept on their own within the zoo to imitate their usual habitat. Tristan, Hugo

and Jonathan A-Z

A python is definitely suited to a tropical humid environment because they need to be close to water and it has to be cool. There is lots of space and a large variety of plants; this is important so they have enough space to roam around and build their nest. They are safe from predators in this environment. Other environments aren’t suitable for them because they don’t have the essentials the python needs, which would make the python absolutely miserable.

Terrence and Adib

The giraffe belongs in a savannah or grassland. Firstly, a giraffe is suited to a savannah because it has a thin fur coat thus can deal with the heat of a savannah. Secondly, a savannah is suitable for a giraffe because it is spacious and so the giraffe can roam free. It can easily see, and escape predators. Finally, a giraffe is suited to a savannah because it is adapted to eat the grassland trees. Max, Baden and

Jonathan P

You must put a Fennec Fox in a hot and sandy environment. They are found in deserts and are adapted to them. It’s essential to have cliffs and rocky surfaces because that is where they live to stay away from predators. It’s impossible for them to survive in another environment like the ocean because they can’t survive in those conditions.

Xavier and William S

Otters fit in their environment because they normally live in humid areas and mostly stay in water. In their enclosure, it’s also pretty humid and half of their enclosure is water. Without water, they won’t survive. Otters must be in this environment so they are safe from predators. Marius

and Pierce

Next time you go to the zoo, you must see the Sumatran Tiger. There are only 600 left in the entire world! With some of the most beautiful stripes in the world and its blood curdling roar, the Sumatran Tiger is a must see. At the zoo you can learn truckloads of information on how to keep the Sumatran Tiger safe, and it is a fun experience for the whole family. So next time you have the opportunity to go to the zoo, see the Sumatran Tiger now! Alex, Jasper and Gideon

Otters should definitely live in the sea. They should live in the sea because they need water, algae and specific food sources in order to survive. Otters also need lots of space to swim away from predators and some land, like a rock, to have a rest on. They wouldn’t survive in a warm environment as they are small so they are easy prey for other animals. Sam, Sebastian and

Jamison

Capybaras are animals that mostly sleep. They live in grasslands that usually have lots of water. Capybaras are not hostile, although if provoked, they could attack you. These animals can’t swim very well but if needed, can swim quite fast. They have very rough fur. Capybaras are not native to Australia, which is why you should definitely visit them the next time you are at the zoo.

Harry, Toby and Alistair

Why do lions belong in an African environment? Firstly, lions are on top of the food chain. This is very helpful in an African environment because the higher on the food chain you are, the less competition you have for food. Secondly, in the African environment, there are a lot of very high rocks that lions use to spot food and incoming competition for territory. Lions mark their territory by using their scent to get bigger space for more food. This is why lions definitely belong in an African environment. Mitchell,

Joseph and Salvador

The lions belong in a grassy environment so they can eat the plants and become energised. They also need to be in a spacious area so they have enough space to be able to run around. In their environment, they also need areas or shelters to rest in the shade when they become hot and tired. Lions absolutely need this type of environment with lots of food so they are able to survive.

Ben and Vasili

A leopard seal is definitely suited to a cold, aquatic environment. They need a cold environment in order to eat birds, fish and penguins. Their main predators are orcas so the seals need to be able to swim away if they are under attack. Most of the time, the seal's fur needs to be wet and this can’t happen in a very warm environment. Ethan, Austin, Tom and William M

Gorillas live in a specific environment because they need to feel at home. If it was the wrong environment, animals would learn the wrong things. There is a small chance you will find them. Their large size means they need to be kept in a specific environment so they can have enough space to roam around and shade to shelter from the sun. You must visit the gorillas at the zoo. Gabriel and Freddie

Our excursion provided the perfect platform to ob serve animals and consider their needs for survival