This unit of work is based on the article ‘A Day in the Life on an Eco Safari’ from issue 4 of Animal Planet magazine.
Pupils will discover how the Nyambani estate in South Africa, which sits on the edge of the Kruger National Park, remains sustainable whilst educating its visitors about the local environment.
The article is used to inspire writing, recounting a day at the lodge, and work covering the KS2 science and geography curriculum.
During the unit the pupils will investigate how tourist attractions can educate visitors and support local economies, exploring the human impact on the environment.
They will also investigate different biomes, researching the geographical features and locations of savannahs, tropical rainforests, deserts, grasslands, temperate forests and tundra.
A comprehension activity is included to check pupils’ understanding of the text and to encourage them to retrieve and record information from non-fiction. They will create their own fact files about different biomes, using information from their research to complete these.
In the writing task, pupils will write a diary recounting a day at the eco lodge, sequencing information from the magazine article.
Teachers’ notes are included for each of the activities, with suggested activities to develop the unit further.
This resource pack includes:
- Copy of the Animal Planet article ‘A Day in the Life of an Eco Safari’.
- Comprehension question cards (with answer sheet)
- Protecting the natural environment activity
- Biomes sorting cards
- Savannah fact file activity
- Planning sheet: safari diary
- Themed writing paper
What is Animal Planet Magazine?
This pack has been created in association with Animal Planet magazine, which fuels curious minds, helps children make sense of the world and sparks joy on every page. To find out more, and register your interest in a school subscription, visit animalplanetmagazine.com/schools.
National Curriculum Programme of Study Links
Reading
- Pupils should develop positive attitudes to reading and understanding of what they read by listening to and discussing a wide range of … non-fiction
- Pupils should understand what they read by checking that the text makes sense to them, discussing their understanding and exploring the meaning of words in context and by asking questions to improve their understanding of the text.
- Pupils should be taught how to retrieve, record and present information from non-fiction.
Writing
- Pupils should plan their writing by discussing and recording ideas (years 5 and 6 also by drawing on research where necessary)
- Pupils should draft and write by organising paragraphs around a theme and using devices to build cohesion within and across paragraphs
Geography
- Describe and understand key aspects of physical geography including biomes
- Use maps and atlases to locate countries and features studied
Science
Year 4 (non-statutory)
- Pupils should explore examples of human impact (both positive and negative) on environments …