Lesson plan:

Class discussion about research methods

Paul was really keen to find out about the strange bird he saw in the park. Talk about the variety of ways that Paul uses to find out about ibis. Make your own display about what Paul and Max found out about ibis - what they eat, where they live, how they behave. Identify any areas near the school where ibis might live. Or, visit the zoo and note the ecosystem that has been established for ibis.

Research local ecology

Imagine what the area around your school looked like before the school and surrounding area was developed. What sort of wildlife do you think may have lived there? Note down the aspects of the environment, eg: hilly, near the sea, very hot. Encourage the students to think of ways that they may check out their ideas. Find out what plants and animals are native to the area or may have been before the area was developed. Make a list of the animals and birds that may have been there.

Make a collage

Now develop students'ideas into a picture collage of the local area before it was developed. Go for a walk around the school. Note the background, ie: hills, rivers, large old trees and paint it onto a large sheet of paper. Now let each student draw a plant and/or animal, cut it out and add it to build up the picture.

Discuss impact of society on the environment

The numbers of ibis in Paul's area have diminished because of the housing development. Ask the students to think of ways that wildlife could be cared for when such an area is developed.

Strategies for protecting wildlife species

There are some simple activities that students could do to cater for the wildlife in the area. You could plan and plant a native bird garden, find out what the native birds in your area eat and make a bird feeder, leave some areas in the school grounds with fallen logs and large branches as shelter for insects and small animals. Ask a local vet or park ranger to come and talk to the students to discuss other possibilities in your area.

Other resources

Lift Off to the environment. Two animated feature stories from Lift Off! episodes explore the issues involved in changing environments.
Out of order ep 10A Lift Off 1 ACTF. Chuck, the rock.

Chuck is a rock who has sat in a dark, gloomy spot next to a small pond for ever. Chuck is rude and condescending to all around him until one day he is sent to the bottom of the pond by a child passing by. This story is written and animated by Bruce Currie with an animation style that uses live footage, animation and special effects.

Going under ep 17A Lift Off 1 ACTF. Upwardly mobile frogs.

When a pond is bulldozed to make way for new housing development, three frogs go in search of a new home. After many dangerous adventures they find a comfortable and safe home - or is it?