Welcome to our blog dedicated to highlighting resources used for the exploration of biodiversity in the classroom!
Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life on Earth, encompassing all living organisms from microbes to plants and animals.
The following resources can be used to explore the significance of teaching young children about biodiversity and the profound impact it can have on their understanding of the natural world.
Join us on this journey as we delve into creative ways to introduce young learners to the wonders of biodiversity and foster a love and respect for the diverse ecosystems that surround us.
From beautiful butterflies to kaleidoscopic Christmas beetles, First Nations author and illustrator Helen Milroy returns to the backyard with a picture book designed to teach kids (and their handlers) all about the scurrying, scuttling, scooting, buzzing, zooming splendour of insects.
Helen Milroy's latest instalment in her bestselling First Nations Bush series features Australian bugs in all their hairy, scary glory!
It's time to get outside and discover the amazing world around us in this stunning new picture book from bestselling Indigenous creator Helen Milroy. This colourful array of Australian insects is sure to delight little ones captivated by all things creepy and crawly. From spiky stick insects to hairy spiders, and from blood-sucking mosquitos to dung-eating blowflies and feasting wasps, this is a fun and easy-to-read book introducing tiny readers to tiny bush critters.
Our Bugs, celebrates the beauty found within the Australian landscape.
Australia's foremost Indigenous illustrator Dr Bronwyn Bancroft captures the essence of nature in this stunning board book.
Our Bugs is the magnificent companion to Our Birds.
Very comprehensive teaching resource including full A3 page of info relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and perspectives of Australian Bush Foods and their uses. Includes areas of English, History, Geography, Science and Language
Bush Foods Snap Game
For thousands of years, Aboriginal people have utilised and cared for the Australian landscape.
Plant foods consumed across the continent varies greatly, and the harvesting of these foods forms an important part of cultural, spiritual and community life.
With this Snap Game (which can also be used as a Memory Game), children can learn about the important concept of matching pairs and also learn about some Australian native plant bush foods.
Aboriginal Science Topic Cards
A beautifully visual set of 25 Aboriginal Science Topic Cards which celebrate the role science has played and continues to play in Aboriginal culture.
These Topic Cards contain 25 examples of the scientific ingenuity and innovation of Aboriginal people, and can be used as a starting point for engaging in learning about the role of science in Aboriginal culture.
Cards are double-sided; one side with a beautiful visual image to accompany the topic, and the other side a snapshot of information to get you started in your learning on that particular topic.
Cards cover content such as: Boomerang and Aerodynamics, Toxic to Edible, Bush Medicine, Traditional Fire Management, Indigenous Rangers and more!
Suitable for any ages.
Cards are A6 size and printed on high quality 350gsm art board that is gloss laminate. Each pack is presented in a cardboard box which is sealed in plastic.
Bush Tucker Research Cards
Explore Aboriginal history, science and technology with this illustrated set of research cards featuring 20 bush tucker foods with research prompts.
This set of 20 research cards encourages students to deploy enquiry skills to investigate the traditional diet of Aboriginal people; the factors impacting the availability of food; and the innovation and design of specific tools used to collect and prepare food.
Multiple sets can be combined to play matching games, reinforcing identification and knowledge about the tools.
Whose Track Is That? Matching Game
Explore Aboriginal symbols with this clever symbol matching game.
Featuring 10 tracks and the feet that made them, this pack of 20 cards encourages recognition of Aboriginal symbols and their significance in First Nation culture.
Sustainability Yarn Cards
Explore 20 sustainability related topics with this 20 card yarn set.
Yarning has always played a key role in sharing Aboriginal knowledge and remains a powerful education tool today.
Guided prompts explore the importance of sustainability today while also considering the traditional knowledge and cultural practices Aboriginal people observe to care for Country and how this knowledge can be applied in today's society.
Featuring artwork by Dharug Artist Chloe Webb of Gumada Art, these beautiful cards provide focus questions to support students in exploring sustainability approaches and First Nation sustainability practices.
Our Leanne Murner Collection
Koori Curriculum Science Collection
Indigenous science places a profound emphasis on the connection with the land and the environment.
This perspective encourages a deeper understanding of sustainability, conservation, and the interdependence of all living beings.
Early childhood educators can use Indigenous science, as a platform to facilitate outdoor learning experiences that embrace Aboriginal perspectives, instilling in young learners a sense of responsibility towards the planet.
Our Seasons Collection
Have you ever been excited for the first day of summer, only to be disappointed when it arrives cold and rainy?
For First Nations People, the seasons don’t change when the calendar does, instead, we can look for changes in plants, animals, water, weather and the stars to mark the start of a new season.
Check out the Koori Curriculum Seasons Collection to embed an Aboriginal perspective around this popuilar children's area of interest.
Our Trees and Forest Collection
As educators, we have a unique opportunity to introduce our children to diverse perspectives and honour the wisdom and traditions of Aboriginal cultures.
When exploring the topic of forests and trees with children, why not incorporate an Aboriginal perspective to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation.
Our Water Collection
Water is common topic of enquiry in the Australian context.
Whether your children are learning about water ways, ecosystems, seasons or the weather there are many ways that one can include an Aboriginal perspective with water.
KC Club Learning Pathway
"Connecting with Country"
In the Koori Curriculum Club, we have a learning pathway dedicated to connecting with country and how educators can approach this important aspect of Aboriginal culture in their own pedagogy.
The learning pathway contains:
- 6 x Masterclasses
- 10 x Lesson plans
- 6 x Fact sheets
- 3 x Storytime
- 9 x Children's book in focus
- 1 x Webinar
Bush Tucker Webinar Series
This series is ideal for educators and centre chefs who are wanting to respectfully embed an Aboriginal perspective into their menu, program and practice through the use of native plants.
These webinars are facilitated by Jessica Staines Director of the Koori Curriculum and Greg Smith from Yama2You.
This series covers:
- Tips on how to incorporate bush tucker into traditional and contemporary cuisine.
- Details of endemic animals and their relationship with Aboriginal peoples and their cultural uses.
- The benefits and ways that educators can include native plants into their outdoor early learning spaces
- Simple recipes to include in centre menus that celebrate culture
- How to extend children’s interests through the inclusion of native plants.
- Introduction to using plants and food as pedagogy.
