The Healesville Sanctuary Learning Experiences Team respectfully acknowledges the Wurundjeri People, the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which we work, live and learn. We recognize their continuing connection to land, water and wildlife and pay respect to their elders past, present and emerging.

Fighting Extinction Challenge Teacher Resource

Years 5 – 10

The aim of this program is for students to:

Examine a diverse range of animals and ecosystems

Identify animal adaptations and classify animals using techniques to study animals in the field

Identify the ecological relationships affecting the survival of a species

Consider how human activities have affected the survival of a species

Independently decide which local species they will advocate to conserve, through leadership back at school

Learn about Wurundjeri culture and how they care for country Required resources:

Clip board

Pen or pencil

Digital device Challenge Question: As students explore and learn about endangered Australian wildlife, they will reflect on actions that they can take back to school or in their community. Students will focus on our big questions: • How will you help save endangered wildlife? • Why are these species so important? • What is Zoos Victoria doing to help save wildlife? • How do they survive in the wild?

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This program addresses the following curriculum content: Level 5-6

Science

Living things have structural features and adaptations that help them to survive in their environment (VCSSU074) The growth and survival of living things are affected by the physical conditions of their environment (VCSSU075)

Geography

Influence of people, including the influence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, on the environmental characteristics of Australian places (VCGGK094)

Level 7-8

Science

Science and technology contribute to finding solutions to a range of contemporary issues; these solutions may impact on other areas of society and involve ethical considerations (VCSSU090) There are differences within and between groups of organisms; classification helps organise this diversity (VCSSU091) Interactions between organisms can be described in terms of food chains and food webs and can be affected by human activity (VCSSU093)

Geography

Spiritual, cultural and aesthetic value of landscapes and landforms for people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, that influence the significance of places, and ways of protecting significant landscapes (VCGGK120)

Level 9-10

Science

The values and needs of contemporary society can influence the focus of scientific research (VCSSU116) Ecosystems consist of communities of interdependent organisms and abiotic components of the environment; matter and energy flow through these systems (VCSSU121)

Geography

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ approaches to custodial responsibility and environmental management in different regions of Australia (VCGGK148)

At the Sanctuary In this program students investigate how to save a species from extinction, using the Zoos Victoria campaigns as an initiative. They will be greeted by a zoo educator, who will explain the day’s theme, logistics and focus to your school. Students will then have time for their own self -directed research and attend presentations. Educators can be found on various pathways and provide encounters while students are completing their independent enquiry.

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Pre Excursion Preparation and Activities

Tune in to our 21 critically endangered local species by watching these videos: Zoos Victoria Fighting Extinction The 21 Species we’re fighting to save

Students can start researching the adaptations of the following species on display at Healesville Sanctuary as well as learn about the threats they face: Orange Bellied Parrot, Helmeted Honeyeater, Guthega Skink, Tasmanian Devil, Southern Corroboree Frog, Eastern Barred Bandicoot, Mountain Pygmy Possum, Spotted Tree Frog, Leadbeaters Possum, Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby. Priority Native Species

During their independent investigation

Inquiry workbook We encourage students to use their digital learning device to complete the downloadable workbook and access extra animal information, keeper talk times and digital maps, PDF student worksheet and take some photos of the endangered species.

Feature Presentations and Keeper Talks We recommend that students attend these to learn more about the adaptations, classification, food chains and conservation of Australian wildlife.

Observe and Record Classification, Human Impacts, Adaptations, Indigenous Culture Students will observe and record animal adaptations and behaviors, learn about human impacts, threats and solutions, read the interactive signs and learn from feature shows, keeper talks and educators around the trails. (see answer sheets in teacher workbook here)

How I can Fight Extinction? As students explore and learn about Australian wildlife, students focus on our big question “How can I fight extinction and help save wildlife? They reflect on actions that they can take back to school and in their community.

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Further Student Learning

Classroom Ideas

1. Fighting Extinction Documentary - Students could create a video discussing species adaptations, human impacts and how communities can help save them. Students research the topic and prioritise the information to obtain key points for each animal. Using these key points, students plan the structure of their script, before actually writing each section. They could use programs i.e. Garageband and iMovie to create the music and editing of the production.

For inspiration show some of the videos from Berwick Fields Primary School: ‘On the Brink – Episode One’ – Southern Corroboree Frogs ‘On the Brink – Episode Three – Tasmanian Devil

2. Poster Wall Art - Students can use the information gathered from their Fighting Extinction workbooks and further research to advertise different actions people can take to save wildlife. This could be done by creating interactive posters, bandannas or wall art. Add ideas and wonderings as students expand on their understanding throughout the unit.

3. Research & Scientific Investigation - Ask students to do further research as to why each of our priority 21 species are critically endangered. Compare the adaptations and classification of these animals with common species they saw at the Sanctuary using a classification key. Students could then spread awareness to help save endangered wildlife by creating a scientific poster, 3D model, school radio interview or class presentation to share their understandings.

4. Class Debate - Debate why Victoria’s forests are still being destroyed for woodchips and paper exportation. Students gather evidence and host a debate back at school using role play including researchers, farmers, community residents, zoo keepers, park rangers and loggers.

5. Ethics of Extinction - Students gather information about human impacts on current endangered species and consider the many ethical issues involved and what our obligations are to address this situation. Should there by a declaration of rights for wildlife just as we have for people? See United Nations – Universal Declaration for Human Rights. Share your findings at school or in your community.

6. Sign up as a Fighting Extinction School - Continue your journey in helping to save wildlife by involving your students in a community project such as Wipe For Wildlife, Love Your Locals or use Bubbles not Balloons. Find out more at https://www.zoo.org.au/education/fighting-extinction-schools

7. Switch to using recycled toilet paper – Check out our ‘School Support Pack’, for more information and inspirational activities on how your school can make the switch.

8. Our Campaign information sheet could be sent as flyers, emailed to your school principal, community noticeboard or school E-newsletter.