Cooling the
schools

STAGE 3 TEACHER RESOURCE
Years 5-6

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This project has been assisted by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust

Suburbs in Sydney's west are experiencing the urban heat island effect

Around the world our cities and urban areas are growing at a rapid rate. While human populations increase, sustainable urban planning is becoming more vital to our ongoing success as a species. How we interact with the natural environment will determine our comfort in our built environments.

This resource helps students understand the 'urban heat island effect' that is taking place in our cities and towns. They will also explore the effects of climate change on local environments and how it influences the management of spaces.

This is an action-based research program. Complete the whole unit, step by step, or use a selection of activities to support your current work in the classroom.

Acknowledging Country

Acknowledging the traditional custodians of the lands of Australia through a Welcome to or Acknowledgement of Country is a respectful way to start the day or a staff meeting.

Try practising the following tips with your class to increase understanding of and respect for Aboriginal culture.

Start the day with a Welcome to or Acknowledgement of Country. This site has a handy checklist and helpful hints to guide you.
Talk with your students openly about the need to understand and learn from traditional custodians – and discuss common misconceptions.

Please remember only First Nations people can interpret their own culture. All cultural content in this learning unit has been developed by NPWS First Nations staff and should not be altered.

There are many culturally-significant sites and artwork in our national parks, such as this mosaic in Yarriabini National Park

Syllabus alignment

GE3-1
GE3-2
GE3-3
GE3-4

Geography: Factors that shape places

Students investigate how people change the natural environment in Australia.

Students examine ways people influence the characteristics of places and explore ways these spaces can be managed in future for better outcomes.

Inquiry questions

How do people and environments influence one another?
How does the ‘urban heat island effect’ influence places and the management of spaces within them?
How can the impact of urban heat and climate change on people and places be reduced?

ST3-4LW-S
ST3-2DP-T
ST3-1WS-S
ACTDEK019

Science and Technology: Living world

Students will learn how the environment affects the growth, adaptation and survival of living things.

Students plan and use materials, tools and equipment to develop solutions for a need or opportunity.

Students plan and conduct scientific investigations to answer testable questions, and collect and summarise data to communicate conclusions.

Inquiry questions

How do physical conditions affect the survival of all living things including humans in urban environments?
How do the structural and behavioural features of living things support survival when subjected to extreme conditions?
How do people in design and technological occupations address considerations, including sustainability, in the design of products, services and environments for current and future use?