VCE Environmental Science
Develop your students’ investigative scientific skills through the study of wetland environments and their surrounds, focusing on biodiversity and Zoos Victoria’s conservation efforts of animals and habitats.
Program description
Students apply the skills that field scientists use to measure biodiversity within an ecosystem. They will collect primary data from the field and will explore secondary data when they return to school. Students will develop an understanding of how humans modify their environments, increase their appreciation of aesthetic values, and gain insight into the actions Zoos Victoria take in real life conservation scenarios to protect endangered species.
Students will learn:
- How to define the categories of biodiversity
- About the impact of humans on the biodiversity of native species
- Real strategies Zoos Victoria uses to manage biodiversity and support wetland environments
- How to conduct a practical investigation between an area of high human impact to an area of limited human disturbance, through observation skills, soil sampling, and transects, comparing results using Simpson’s Index of Diversity
Program sequence
Connect and Understand
Students will assess the biodiversity of an ecosystem using observations, transects, and soil sampling to collect primary data, which used along with Simpson’s Index of Diversity, can be used to measure biodiversity. They will learn about the importance of a healthy wetland environment for both the local and global ecosystem. Students are immersed in a real-world learning experience among wildlife and habitat in the wetlands of the park.
Your Park visit will include: an introduction to the day, Zoo Teacher workshop (60 minutes), and a self-guided walking trail. Check out your Teaching Guide for other ideas of what to do at the Park.
Connect and Understand
Students will undertake species identification data collection at Kyabram Fauna Park’s wetlands to discover the abundance of life this biome supports. They will develop their understanding of how critically endangered species depend on other organisms to survive and how these can be affected by human impact.
Your Park visit will include: an introduction to the day, Zoo Teacher workshop (30 minutes), and a self-guided walking trail. Check out your Teaching Guide for other ideas of what to do at the Park.
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.
Program resources
Students will need copies of the workbook to fill out during their excursion. Please ensure you print these and bring with you as we are unable to provide copies on the day.
Learning outcomes
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) – Environmental Science
Area of Study 1: Why is maintaining biodiversity worth a sustained effort?
- Students will explore the importance of genetic and population biodiversity
- Students will explore ecosystems as a source of renewable services that impact on human health and well-being
- Students will apply practical techniques used for assessing species diversity
Plan your excursion
This 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 Kyabram Fauna Park via the Main entrance. Organising teachers please check with 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