Year 1 Science · AC9S1U01
Plants and animals have basic needs. A habitat is suitable when it provides the air, water, food, shelter, light or space the living thing needs
Ready to project and teach
Plants and animals have basic needs. A habitat is suitable when it provides the air, water, food, shelter, light or space the living thing needs.
Learning routine: Observe living thing → Name needs → Check place → Match need to evidence → Explain
A frog can live near a pond because the pond area can provide water, food and shelter.
A plant needs water, air and light. A dark dry cupboard does not meet these needs.
Question: Can a fish live on dry grass? No. A fish needs water as part of its habitat, so dry grass does not meet its basic needs.
Say: “This habitat works because it provides …”.
Explain your thinking: Say what each part of the model represents, then explain why the answer or conclusion follows.
Worked example Question: Can a fish live on dry grass? No. A fish needs water as part of its habitat, so dry grass does not meet its basic needs.
Habitat detective Choose one animal and list which needs its habitat provides. Model: bird → nest/shelter • seeds/insects • air • water
Plant needs check Compare a sunny watered plant place with a dark dry place. Model: light + water + air = suitable
Could it live here? Decide whether a fish, lizard or seedling could live in a place and justify with evidence. Model: living thing + place + need
These curriculum examples extend the central model into varied contexts. They are learning contexts, not extra definitions to memorise.
identifying the places where plants and animals live, including in our homes, local areas such as ponds, national parks, gardens or zoos
Try and explain: A frog is observed beside a pond with water, insects and plants. Name two needs that this place may help meet.
Water meets a water need; insects may provide food, and plants may provide shelter. Link the feature to a need rather than only naming the place.
identifying what they do to look after pets or plants at home and grouping these activities
Try and explain: Group these care actions: refilling a rabbit's water bowl, watering a plant, and cleaning a rabbit's shelter. Which actions supply water?
Refilling the bowl and watering the plant supply water. Cleaning the shelter helps maintain a suitable living place.
identifying and comparing the needs of a variety of plants and animals, including humans, based on their own experiences
Try and explain: Name one need shared by a child, a pet dog and a garden plant. Do they all obtain food in the same way?
They all need water and air. Animals eat food; green plants make their food using light, water and air rather than eating meals.
creating dioramas of a place a plant or animal lives, and identifying the features that enable it to meet its needs
Try and explain: Design a model habitat for a pet rabbit. Label how water, food and shelter would be provided.
For example, show drinking water, suitable rabbit food and a sheltered resting place. Labels must explain what each feature provides.
recognising how First Nations Australians care for living things
Cultural safety: Use a community-approved source, name the specific Nation or community where the source does, and avoid presenting diverse First Nations knowledges as one generic tradition. Follow local cultural and intellectual property protocols before inviting community participation.
exploring why caring for plants and animals is important including as sources of food and fibre
Try and explain: A vegetable garden supplies food for people. Why must the plants still be cared for while they grow?
They are living things with needs such as water, air and suitable light. Meeting those needs supports growth and a healthy food source.
Explain how a habitat provides basic needs rather than just naming an animal's home.
How can a garden meet a bird's needs?
Watch for this mistake: Plants do not eat soil. Green plants use light to make their food and also need water and air; many get support and nutrients from soil.
A pet has food and shelter but no drinking water. Is every basic need met?
Check each need separately.
No. The pet also needs water.
Why might a leafy plant struggle in a dark cupboard even if it is watered?
Think about what leaves use to make food.
It lacks light needed for healthy growth and food-making.
Key idea: Plants and animals have basic needs. A habitat is suitable when it provides the air, water, food, shelter, light or space the living thing needs.
Return to the concept model if an answer is uncertain. Use the model to explain, not just to guess.
Use the Practice Sheet for written or hands-on work, Practice for supported feedback, and Test when the student is ready to demonstrate independent mastery.
Plants and animals have basic needs. A habitat is suitable when it provides the air, water, food, shelter, light or space the living thing needs.
Learning routine: Observe living thing → Name needs → Check place → Match need to evidence → Explain
AC9S1U01: identify the basic needs of plants and animals, including air, water, food or shelter, and describe how the places they live meet those needs
Explore optional teaching slide packs for classroom lessons and explanations at home.
Browse Teach & Explain · Browse Print & Go
Teachers: follow SkillrHub on TPT, then email us to request a free sample before buying. Include the year, subject and topic or curriculum code.
After trying the sample, honest feedback is welcome. A TPT review is optional, where available, and does not need to be positive.