Discovering living things

Most living things get all they need to survive from the environment in which they live. 

Lachlan Swamp can be found at Centennial Parklands, Sydney. Take a virtual tour of the swamp to see how many different plants and animals you can find living in this environment. Use the Lachlan Swamp activity sheet to record your observations. 

Now that you have explored our virtual park it is time to go and find some living things around your home or school. Make sure to bring your activity sheet from before to record your findings. Find and collect one leaf or flower that you really like? 

When you are back from your expedition it is time to press your leaf or flower to put in your journal so you can record your scientific findings. 

Watch the video below to find out how!

When scientists are in the Botanic Gardens, they often find leaves or flowers they think are very special and make a drawing of it. This is called a Botanical Illustration! 

Watch this video to learn how to be a botanical illustrator at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.

Activities - Discovering living things

1. Discuss with friends

Have you shared what you found with your friends and shown them your leaf or flower?  Brainstorm how this plant gets all the things it needs to survive.
CLUE: food, water, sun, air and shelter 

2. Make a home herbarium

Find out how on the Home Herbarium activity sheet.

3. Play a game

Learn more about where animals live in your garden by playing this garden game.

4. Draw

Draw your pressed leaf or flower.