Giraffe Behaviour Study Key stage 3 learning

In Giraffe Behaviour Study pupils will work scientifically to collect real data on our herd of giraffes. Students will work in groups and come face to face with our herd of giants to collect behavioural data using ethograms. The students will then use this data to create behaviour bar charts and to compare behaviours between different age groups in the herd. Group discussions will then allow students to elaborate on how this data could be used both for the animals' welfare at the zoo and for the conservation of the species in the wild.

Please be aware that this session will be held outside. Students should wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

Age: KS3 (11 - 14 years old)

Duration: 45 minutes

Capacity: 35 students

Outdoor workshop

Intended learning outcomes:

Students will be able to:

Work scientifically to collect real-time behavioural data using ethograms;
Create bar charts to illustrate their results;
Use scientific language to explain their results;
Describe how research can impact the conservation of animals in the wild.

National Curriculum Links

KS3 Biology	Working Scientifically	Scientific attitudes	pay attention to objectivity and concern for accuracy, precision, repeatability and reproducibility
		Experimental skills and investigations	ask questions and develop a line of enquiry based on observations of the real world, alongside prior knowledge and experience make predictions using scientific knowledge and understanding select, plan and carry out the most appropriate types of scientific enquiries to test predictions, including identifying independent, dependent and control variables, where appropriate apply sampling techniques
		Analysis and evaluation	present observations and data using appropriate methods, including tables and graphs interpret observations and data, including identifying patterns and using observations, measurements and data to draw conclusions evaluate data, showing awareness of potential sources of random and systematic error
	Interactions and interdependencies	Relationships in an ecosystem	how organisms affect, and are affected by, their environment, including the accumulation of toxic materials.
	Genetics and evolution	Inheritance, chromosomes, DNA and genes	changes in the environment may leave individuals within a species, and some entire species, less well adapted to compete successfully and reproduce, which in turn may lead to extinction