Project Description
Species Survival – Beyond Sustainability
This special 2024 Science Week themed workshop is available now! Explore and celebrate innovative ways that real life scientists are tackling problems leading to species decline. Students will delve into the exciting world of scientific breakthroughs; exploring advancements in enzymatic recycling, artificial intelligence, biodegradable products and citizen science.
Level: Available for Year 3 to Year 6. (*For Kinder/Foundation to Year 2, we suggest our modified Living Things workshop).
Duration: Available in a 60 or 90 minute format. We recommend a 90 minute format if budget and timetabling constraints allow.
Numbers: Each workshop can cater to a maximum of 30 children. However, smaller groups have better access to equipment and the facilitator.
State: VIC
Learning Outcomes
- The three greatest threats to Australian wildlife are invasive species, habitat destruction and climate change.
- What does a functioning ecosystem look like and why is biosecurity so important in maintaining species balance within trophic levels?
- The use of artificial intelligence to identify and control pest species on Australia’s Coral Reef.
- Human made, non-biodegradable materials (such as plastic) are affecting our native species’ habitat and food source.
- What real life scientists are inventing to combat the microplastic problem.
- Climate change and the effect of ocean acidification on the Great Barrier Reef.
- Sustainable ways of generating electricity.
The importance of citizen science in monitoring species nationwide.
Activities
Invasive Species Ecosystem Reaction Demonstration – Students see how ecosystems are normally stable – introducing other influences results in instability and profound changes.
Artificial intelligence and spotting Crown of Thorns Starfish demonstration – Learn how AI and robots are helping scientists manage pest species.
Ecosystems game – students will explore the balance and fragility of ecosystems with an interactive, class-wide game.
Packing peanuts – students compare old and new products that scientists have created to help protect species.
Sustainable energy activity – students will explore sustainable ways of generating electricity, as well as learn how fossil fuels are posing a risk to species survival.
Hydrophobic milk ‘cell lysis’ reaction – show chemical reaction related to how Crown of Thorns starfish are controlled (90 minute session)
Acidification of oceans demonstration – students learn about ocean acidification and how it leads to coral bleaching.
Curriculum Links
- The growth and survival of living things are affected by the physical conditions of their environment (VCSSU075)
- Sudden geological changes or extreme weather conditions can affect Earth’s surface (VCSSU079)
- Living things have structural features and adaptations that help them to survive in their environment (VCSSU074)
- Different living things have different life cycles and depend on each other and the environment to survive (VCSSU058)
- The growth and survival of living things are affected by the physical conditions of their environment (VCSSU075)
- Earth’s surface changes over time as a result of natural processes and human activity (VCSSU062)
Some of Earth’s resources are renewable, but others are non-renewable (VCSSU100)
Earth’s resources are used in a variety of ways (VCSSU047)
Participate in guided investigations, including making observations using the senses, to explore and answer questions (VCSIS051)
Energy from a variety of sources can be used to generate electricity; electric circuits enable this energy to be transferred to another place and then to be transformed into another form of energy (VCSSU081)
Compare results with predictions, suggesting possible reasons for findings (VCSIS070)
People use science in their daily lives (VCSSU041)
Science knowledge helps people to understand the effects of their actions (VCSSU056)
Scientific understandings, discoveries and inventions are used to inform personal and community decisions and to solve problems that directly affect people’s lives (VCSSU073)
