The Changing Seasons - D’harawal Knowledge
Geography, Science
Learning intentions
We are learning to observe seasonal changes in weather, plants and animals in the natural environment, record this data and communicate our understanding by making a poster.
Teacher information
This unit of work will involve students doing research about D’harawal seasons using the Bureau of Meteorology website or offline resources. They will complete their own weather observations and record that data. Students will also need to go outside and observe something that is changing about a plant or animal at this time of the year. If there is a Google Classroom for the student, the class may post their findings through Google classroom, either photos or drawings, and students will consolidate their class’s findings by making a poster about what is currently happening in nature. If students do not have access to technology, they will make their own poster using their own observations.
Non-digital Lesson: Not online? Download the lesson here.
Stage: S2-S3
KLA: Science (Living World), Geography (The Earth's Environment)
Cross-curriculum priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures
Watch Helen as she introduces us to the six D'harawal seasons.
Video: Seasonal calendar introduction (1:53 min)
Task 1: What D’harawal season is it?
Using the Indigenous Weather Knowledge on the Bureau of Meteorology website, read about the six D’harawal seasons in Sydney and identify which season we are experiencing at the moment.
Print off a copy and complete the colouring in activity of the Annual Cycle google doc below.
Write the names of the months of the year around the picture.
Write the European seasons around the picture (Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer).
Extension: Look closer
Research a plant or animal mentioned in the D’harawal seasons. For example a Quoll or a Lilli Pilli. Draw a picture and write a paragraph about this animal/plant.
Alternatively observe a plant or animal that you can see. Draw a picture and write about what you observe about this plant or animal at this time of year.
Task 2: What is the weather like today?
Using our weather data chart document, observe and record the weather today. (You may want to use these recorded observations in Task 4).
If you have measuring equipment like a thermometer then use it, but if not, use the categories in the chart or make up your own system of measurement.
Don’t just copy a weather forecast, go outside and collect the data!
Task 3: Nature observation
Go outside and find things that are changing in nature at this time of the year. For example, a plant may be flowering or fruiting, or the leaves may be falling off, maybe it might have new buds. Is there a bird sitting on a nest? Feeding chicks? Being very noisy? Or defending its territory?
It could be in your garden, a natural place in nature, or what you can see out the window.
Take a photograph or draw a picture of the animal or plant and write a sentence explaining what is changing.
Teachers: You may want to create a shared folder so students can use these images in Task 4.
Watch these short videos to find out about the seasonal changes of some local plants and one special animal!
Task 4: Make a poster showing nature in the current season
If your class has a folder with their pictures in it:
Go to the folder with everyone’s observations about seasonal changes in it. Make a poster explaining what is happening in nature in this season in your area. Use any of the class pictures and examples to illustrate it. Don’t forget to include your weather data. Submit this to your teacher through Google Classroom.
If you do not have access to other students’ pictures:
Use the photos or drawings that you have and make a poster demonstrating what is happening in nature in this season. Be creative! Use words and pictures if you can. Don’t forget to include your weather data.
Pro Tip: Look at the example poster below for ideas.
Extension: Mini project
Repeat this task 6 times over the year to consolidate learning about our changing seasons and to create your own, localised seasonal calendar.