Evolution and Natural Selection Year 9-10
Explore evolution through natural selection by building an understanding of how animal adaptations, variation in a populations and selection pressures can lead to a new species.
Program description
This program will be available from Term 2, 2025.
Immersed in the world class Asian Elephant habitat at Werribee Open Range Zoo, students learn about the processes of natural selection leading to the species we see today. By looking at the adaptations of wildlife, students apply key science skills including observation of animals and interpretation and analysis of biofacts. They will determine the selection pressures that occurred in the past and predict how changes in the environment could affect adaptations in the future.
Students also consider the ethics of Asian Elephant wildlife tourism and welfare.
Students will learn:
- How interactions between organisms may shape speciation
- How the process of natural selection shapes adaptations
- How specified selection pressures have led to biodiversity
- How to observe animals to determine the factors that may have led to certain adaptations
- How to consider the ethical concepts of wildlife tourism and animal welfare
Program sequence
Connect
Use the activities in the Teaching Guide (below) to spark students’ curiosity before their zoo visit.
Connect and Understand
Students discover the methods scientists use to understand and explore the theory of evolution. Put science skills to the test by observing animals and collecting and interpreting data to better understand how adaptations occur and what can influence adaptations in a species.
Your zoo visit includes: An introduction to the day (for arrivals between 9.45 - 10am), Zoo Teacher workshop (30 minutes) and keeper talks. Check out your Teaching Guide for other ideas of what to do at the zoo.
Understand
Use activities in the Teaching Guide to deepen students’ learning back at school.
Act
Use the Teaching Guide to enable students to master their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts.
Program maps and itineraries
Your booking confirmation email will list your group's education workshop time/s. Each workshop time has its own map and suggested daily itinerary. Digital maps will be provided to you on the day.
Links to maps and itineraries coming soon.
Program resources
Learning outcomes
Victorian Curriculum 9-10
The theory of evolution by natural selection explains the diversity of living things and is supported by a range of scientific evidence (VCSSU120)
- Students apply key science skills to determine the selection pressures that may have led to the adaptations observed for a species
Ecosystems consist of communities of interdependent organisms and abiotic components of the environment; matter and energy flow through these systems (VCSSU121)
- Students determine the interactions between organisms and their environment that may have shaped speciation
Investigate the connections and distinctions between and the relative value of concepts including fairness and equality, and respect and tolerance (VCECU019)
- Students consider ethical concepts and the evolution of our understanding related to wildlife tourism and animal welfare
Plan your excursion
This program is an outdoor all-weather program; the students will need appropriate clothing for weather conditions. This could include a raincoat, hat and sun protection.
School groups will enter Werribee Open Range Zoo via the Main Entrance. Organising teachers please check in with our Admissions team upon arrival. More information.
Book your education experience
Fill out an online form to request a booking for your zoo education experience
Request booking nowYou will need to know the following to book your zoo excursion or online workshop:
- Education program of your choice (if applicable)
- Preferred date
- School name and address
- Contact details of organising teacher
- Number of students/classes and their year level