School Projects on Koalas

The gum tree is a koala's primary source of food and shelter.

Koalas have thick, gray fur with white markings on their chest. They are considered national icons of Australia, their only home. They are now protected in Australia but there habitat is in danger. While students in America may know what a koala is, they have little concept of the habitat and habits of this small animal. School projects for children of all ages will help increase their knowledge of the koala of Australia.

Picture

Teach younger students in early elementary school about the koala by allowing them to study what it looks like, what it eats and where it lives. Have them draw a picture for a project. They can name their koala and then display the pictures on the wall to serve as a koala art museum. This is an interactive, easy exercise that will engage learning and provide a hands-on activity for younger students.

Life Stages Paper

Like any child, koalas experience different developmental changes and stages. Instruct your students to write a paper or make a chart of the developmental stages of the koala. Students can chart the entire lifespan of this animal or you can divide students into groups and allow them to chart and research a particular life stage to present to the class.

Diorama

Creating a diorama of a koala's habitat and habits will combine student knowledge with visual learning. Students will learn about Australia as well as the koala and may include other animals common to the koala's habitat. They should understand the vegetation and the gum tree and know the specific regions where the koala resides. Students should present their projects to the class and display them.

Conservation Ideas

Older students may enjoy a group project planning conservation efforts for the koala and its habitat. Before beginning, ensure that students understand the basics of the koala and understand the conservation efforts in Australia. Have students present a mock situation to the class and the efforts they would take to protect the koala.

References

• Friends of Koala: Koala Fact Sheet
• Koala Central: For School Projects
• WPSA: Koalas