Amazing Lifecycles: The Kangaroo
In this course, students will investigate the unique lifecycle of the kangaroo. Students will learn about the kangaroo’s gestation, size of young, development over time and the way young are cared for and protected. Amazing lifecycle facts will be highlighted.
Background information: Kangaroo’s are members of the marsupial group of mammals and they have many unique characteristics. They are exclusively herbivorous and one of their defining features is the pouch in which they raise their young. The kangaroo is also unique in that it can raise three joeys simultaneously. They can support one at foot (ie. out of the pouch but still needing milk), one in the pouch and one in a uterus (before being born). During this time, she can produce three unique kinds of milk to suit the needs of each joey!
Using images and a literacy approach, students will independently work through the activities. They will view images that they can interpret to piece together the stages in the kangaroo’s lifecycle.
Year Level: 3 – 4
Prior knowledge: Students would benefit from knowing the definition of mammals and marsupials
- Mammals – Most mammals give birth to their young. Mammals provide their young with milk and then care for their young further.
- Marsupials – are a type of mammal. The females have a pouch to carry their offspring.
Course Connections:
Does this course link to other Ecolinc programs?
This course is an ideal extension after attending the following onsite program:
or this course can stand alone as a learning experience.
Learning intentions:
In this program students will:
- Learn the unique stages in a kangaroo’s lifecycle
- Learn that a mammal’s lifecycle goes through predictable stages
- Discover how the young of mammals depend on their mother for food and protection
Estimated Duration: – 30 minutes
Victorian Curriculum:
Science – Biological Sciences
- Different living things have different life cycles and depend on each other and the environment to survive (VCSSU058)
Course Creators: Lynda Flynn & Bob Winters
