VCE Biology Unit 4
Get to know the elephant herd at Werribee Open Range Zoo and learn about the virus that is affecting both wild and captive populations and explore the application of PCR testing.
Program description
This program will be available from Term 2, 2025.
Students examine the role of the immune system and the use of DNA manipulation techniques through the analysis and evaluation of a biological case study focusing on the elephant endotheliotropic herpes virus (EEHV). They will consider the bio-ethical issues of keeping elephants in captivity and the threats to their survival in the wild.
Teachers will be provided with a SAC that addresses Area of Study 1- Outcome 1: An analysis and evaluation of a selected biological case study.
Students will learn:
- The mechanisms that organisms can use to prevent and fight off infection by pathogens
- The way that PCR is used as a DNA manipulation technique in diagnosing and monitoring disease
- The different kinds of immunity and the use of vaccination
- The application of scientific and social strategies in controlling the spread of pathogens and maintaining herd immunity
- How they can contribute to improving the welfare of captive elephant populations
Program sequence
Connect
Use the activities in the Teaching Guide (below) to spark students’ curiosity before their zoo visit..
Connect and Understand
Students record their observations of our Asian elephants and examine some artefacts and learn about EEHV in order to apply their understanding of the immune system to this case study. They examine and interpret real PCR results obtained from onsite testing for EEHV. Students consider and evaluate why Asian elephants are kept in captivity and ways that they can contribute to improving their welfare.
Your zoo visit includes: An introduction to the day (for arrivals between 9.45 - 10.00 am), Zoo Teacher workshop (30 minutes) and keeper talks. Check out your Teaching Guide for other ideas of what to do at the zoo.
Understand
Use activities in the Teaching Guide to deepen students’ learning back at school.
Act
Use the Teaching Guide to enable students to master their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts.
Program maps and itineraries
Your booking confirmation email will list your group's education workshop time/s. Each workshop time has its own map and suggested daily itinerary. Digital maps will be provided to you on the day.
Links to maps and itineraries coming soon.
Program resources
Links to teaching guides and workbooks coming soon.
Learning outcomes
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) – Biology
Area of Study 1: How do organisms respond to pathogens?
Area of Study 2: How are species related over time?
- Students examine some of the mechanisms that organisms have to prevent pathogenic infection
- Students investigate the role of the innate immune response in fighting infection
- Students explore the characteristics of the adaptive immune response against pathogens, including a consideration of the differences between passive and active strategies for acquiring immunity
- Students discover some of the scientific and social strategies being employed to identify and control the spread of a particular pathogen
- Students consider how genetic changes in a population can occur over time, and the way that gene pools can be manipulated through selective breeding programs
Plan your excursion
VCE Biology Unit 4 program is an outdoor all-weather program; the students will need appropriate clothing for weather conditions. This could include a raincoat, hat and sun protection
School groups will enter Werribee Open Range Zoo via the Main Entrance. Organising teachers please check in with our Admissions team upon arrival. More information.
Book your education experience
Fill out an online form to request a booking for your zoo education experience
Request booking nowYou will need to know the following to book your zoo excursion or online workshop:
- Education program of your choice (if applicable)
- Preferred date
- School name and address
- Contact details of organising teacher
- Number of students/classes and their year level