Wade into the Wetlands Classroom
Curious Minds, Nurtured Hearts, and Greens Hands: Where Nature Meets Curriculum
Introducing The Wetlands Centre's School Education Programs
Embark on a transformative journey through our school programs rooted in and around wetlands. These curated learning experiences bridge the gap between the classroom and nature, creating an environment where students delve into the vital roles of various species in maintaining wetland and broader ecological biodiversity. Drawing on elements of science, art, and indigenous knowledge, these programs are designed to shape students into informed, empathetic stewards of our natural world.
As little minds plunge into authentic, hands-on learning, the rooms come alive with native species, digital technologies dovetail with traditional wisdom, and reflection births real solutions for sustainability. Beyond the traditional, our curriculum-inspired programs foster life skills and a deep appreciation for conservation. Unleash the power of immersive wetlands education and join us in fostering a generation of conservationists. Discover the allure of learning at nature's pace with our immersive school programs.
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This project is supported by funding from the Western Australian Government’s State NRM Program |
Six Season Planting — Growing our WA Native Species
Experience the vivid tapestry of indigenous wisdom interwoven with modern science and artistry in the "Six Season Planting – Growing our WA Native Species" program. Fuel your students' curiosity and creativity, as they dive into the rich cultural heritage of the Nyungar Six Seasons, passionately merging it with botanical mastery. This program bridges the gap between the classroom and nature, embracing hands-on experiences with WA's native species. From nurturing their own unique flowering plant to crafting immersive art that reflects their journey, students will be able to cherish an unforgettable educational voyage. Enrich your students with this transformative, holistic educational opportunity.
This program integrates Nyungar indigenous knowledge with science and art. Designed for years 1-6, it provides a practical, hands-on experience in native plant propagation. Students cultivate their own WA flowering plant and create art depicting their learning, combining Nyungar symbolism and scientific knowledge. Click on the relevant School year to know the program's inclusions.
Year 1
This curriculum-linked Year 1 activity integrates the indigenous knowledge of the West Australian Noongar Six Seasons with science and art. Students will be immersed in the hands-on world of native plant propagation and return to school with their own WA flowering native plant to care for. They will also create a piece of art encouraging them to represent what they have learnt, fusing insights of Noongar symbolism and with the scientific knowledge of the species.
Year 2
This curriculum linked Year 2 activity integrates the indigenous knowledge of the West Australian Noongar Six Seasons with science and art. Students will be immersed in the hands-on world of native plant propagation and return to school with their own WA flowering native plant to care for. They will also create a piece of art encouraging them to represent what they have learnt, fusing insights of Noongar symbolism and with the scientific knowledge of the species.
Year 3
This curriculum linked Year 3 activity integrates the indigenous knowledge of the West Australian Noongar Six Seasons with science and art. Students will be immersed in the hands-on world of native plant propagation and return to school with their own WA flowering native plant to care for. They will also create a piece of art encouraging them to represent what they have learnt, fusing insights of Noongar symbolism and with the scientific knowledge of the species.
Year 4
This curriculum linked Year 4 activity integrates the indigenous knowledge of the Noongar Six Seasons with science and art. Students will be immersed in the hands-on world of native plant propagation and return to school with their own WA flowering native plant to care for. They will also create a piece of art encouraging them to represent what they have learnt, fusing insights of Noongar symbolism and with the scientific knowledge of the species.
Year 5
This curriculum linked Year 5 activity integrates the indigenous knowledge of the Noongar Six Seasons with science and art. Students will be immersed in the hands-on world of native plant propagation and return to school with their own WA flowering native plant to care for. They will also create a piece of art encouraging them to represent what they have learnt, fusing insights of Noongar symbolism and with the scientific knowledge of the species.
Year 6
This curriculum linked Year 6 activity integrates the indigenous knowledge of the Noongar Six Seasons with science and art. Students will be immersed in the hands-on world of native plant propagation and return to school with their own WA flowering native plant to care for. They will also create a piece of art encouraging them to represent what they have learnt, fusing insights of Noongar symbolism and with the scientific knowledge of the species.
Discovering and Saving Our Snake Necked Turtles
Experience the world of the unique Southwestern Snake-Necked Turtles through our engaging "Discovering and Saving Our Snake-Necked Turtles" program. Invite your students on an enriching journey that merges art, science, and culture. Our program rapidly immerses them in the wonderful biology and habitat of these native creatures while awakening their creativity through artistic representations. Further, students will also contribute to the real-world initiative of turtle conservation by participating in a citizen science project. Ignite your students' curiosity, enhance their empathetic understanding of indigenous cultures, and invoke a profound sense of responsibility for their environment. This is more than a program— it's an unforgettable learning journey.
This program invites Year 1-6 students into an immersive exploration of the culturally significant Snake Necked Turtle. With a cross-curricular design, the program connects science, art and citizen science. Students learn about the turtle's features, habitat and heritage, partake in the "Save Our Snake Necked Turtles" initiative and create a clay turtle keepsake. This comprehensive experience fosters a genuine appreciation for conservation while empowering young minds in hands-on science. Click on the relevant School year to know the program's inclusions.
Year 1
This activity provides an integrated approach to exploring the Snake Necked Turtle of Western Australia in Year 1, incorporating both science, visual arts and citizen science. The lessons focus on the external features of the Snake Necked Turtle, its habitat, and its significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Students will create a clay turtle to take home and learn how to act by being involved in citizen science project, Save Our Snake Necked Turtles inspired by the decline in the species in WA and its cultural significance.
Year 2
This activity provides an integrated approach to exploring the Snake Necked Turtle of Western Australia in Year 2, incorporating both science, visual arts and citizen science. The lessons focus on the external features of the Snake Necked Turtle, its habitat, and its significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Students will create a clay turtle to take home and learn how to act by being involved in citizen science project, Save Our Snake Necked Turtles inspired by the decline in the species in WA and its cultural significance.
Year 3
This activity provides an integrated approach to exploring the Snake Necked Turtle of Western Australia in Year 3, incorporating science, visual arts, and citizen science. The activity focus on classifying living things based on observable features, understanding the habitat of the Snake Necked Turtle, appreciating its significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and engaging in citizen science activities related to turtle conservation using information from the Save Our Snake Necked Turtle Citizen Science Project in Western Australia.
Year 4
In the "Discovering and Saving Snake Necked Turtles" activity for Year 4 students, the curriculum merges Science and Visual Arts with a focus on the biological features and environmental interdependence of the Snake Necked Turtle. Integrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural perspectives, students not only delve into the turtle's significance within these cultures but also express their understanding through art. The lesson emphasizes sustainability, introducing students to the "Save Our Snake Necked Turtle Citizen Science Project", where they actively engage in field observations at a wetland, fostering a deeper appreciation for conservation and the importance of citizen science in preserving native species.
Year 5
In the Year 5 activity "Discovering and Saving Snake Necked Turtles," students delve into the biological features and classifications of the Snake Necked Turtle, understanding its survival adaptations and classification as a reptile. Integrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural insights, students explore the turtle's representation in indigenous art, traditions, and stories, producing artworks inspired by their findings. The lesson, aligned with cross-curricular priorities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories, Cultures, and Sustainability, culminates in a citizen science activity where students participate in the "Save Our Snake Necked Turtle Citizen Science Project." Through fieldwork at a wetland, they gather data on turtle sightings, fostering a deeper appreciation for conservation and the pivotal role of citizen science in preserving native species.
Year 6
In the Year 6 activity "Discovering and Saving Snake Necked Turtles," students delve into the Snake Necked Turtle's structural features and adaptations that influence its growth and survival. They also learn about its classification within the reptile family and its significance in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Students then translate their knowledge into visual arts by creating representations of the turtle, emphasizing both its biological attributes and cultural relevance. The activity also introduces them to the world of citizen science through the "Save Our Snake Necked Turtle Citizen Science Project." This project offers hands-on experiences in observing and recording turtle populations, fostering an appreciation for conservation and the critical role of community-based science in habitat preservation.
Discovering Wetland Macroinvertebrates
Unleash your students' potential with our Discovering Wetland Macroinvertebrates school program. Brimming with hands-on explorations and in-depth investigation, our curriculum places students at the centre of fascinating freshwater environments. From appreciating the enormity of tiny macroinvertebrates to appreciating their role in wetland health, students revel in experiential learning. Combined with a digital and artistic approach, we bring biology and the environment alive in the workshops. Encouraging data-driven analysis, reflection, and a collective spirit, our program embeds essential life skills. Let your students discover, wonder, and become passionate advocates for sustainability. Witness an education formed by nature’s lore – an opportunity too priceless to miss!
This program engages Year 1-6 students in hands-on fieldwork at Walliabup (Bibra Lake), unravelling the vital role of macroinvertebrates in freshwater ecosystems. This unique blend of biological and digital sciences with visual arts encourages specimen collection, digital observation, data analysis and reflective drawing. Students advance their understanding of these organisms by immersion in their natural habitats, celebrating their significance in maintaining healthy, sustainable wetlands. Click on the relevant School year to know the program's inclusions.
Year 1
In the Year 1 activity "Discovering Wetland Mini Beasts (macroinvertebrates)," 6-7-year-old students explore the significance of macroinvertebrates in wetland ecosystems. The activity delves into the biological sciences, highlighting the basic needs of living things and their adaptive habitats. Using hands-on activities, students collect and observe specimens from Walliabup (Bibra Lake). They identify these macroinvertebrates and discuss their roles in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Then the students are encouraged to express their understanding artistically by drawing the macroinvertebrates they observed. The lesson concludes with reflections on the crucial role these organisms play in ensuring the sustainability of water systems.
Year 2
The Year 2 activity "Discovering Wetland Mini Beasts (macroinvertebrates)," students aged 7-8 engage with the wetland environment to understand the pivotal role of macroinvertebrates in freshwater ecosystems. This lesson aligns with both biological sciences and visual arts, emphasizing the growth and reproduction of living things and encouraging artistic expression. Through hands-on activities, students collect specimens from Walliabup (Bibra Lake) or our artificial wetland, utilizing tools such as dip nets and identification guides. After observation and identification sessions, students artistically depict the macroinvertebrates they've discovered, reinforcing visual learning. The lesson concludes with a presentation where students discuss their findings and the integral role these creatures play in sustaining water systems.
Year 3
In the Year 3 activity "Dive into Wetland Mini Beasts (macroinvertebrates)," 8-9-year-old students delve deep into the understanding of macroinvertebrates within freshwater ecosystems. Merging science with visual arts, the lesson emphasizes the classification of living things based on observable features and explores the intricate patterns and relationships within science. The students embark on a hands-on journey, collecting specimens from the local wetland Walliabup (Bibra Lake) using dip nets. Post collection, they identify and observe the macroinvertebrates using various tools and digital resources. Subsequently, the students channel their findings artistically, creating detailed drawings that encapsulate the physical attributes of the macroinvertebrates they observed. The lesson culminates in a presentation, fostering a deeper appreciation for these organisms and their significance in ensuring the sustainability of water systems.
Year 4
In the "Data Driven Discovery with Freshwater Macroinvertebrates" activity for Year 4 students (9-10 years old), they explore freshwater ecosystems, focusing on the role of macroinvertebrates. Through hands-on activities at Walliabup (Bibra Lake) or The Wetlands Centres’ artificial wetland, students learn to collect and observe specimens using dip nets and digital devices, with the help of the Water bugs app for identification. They emphasize sustainable practices by returning all specimens after study. A follow-up classroom session facilitates analysis and reflection on their findings, where students harness digital technology to manage and analyse data, create visual aids, and present their insights.
Year 5
In the "Data Driven Discovery with Freshwater Macroinvertebrates" activity for Year 5 students, the focal point is the exploration of freshwater ecosystems, with an emphasis on the role of macroinvertebrates. Blending Digital Technologies and Biological Sciences curricula, students engage with the wetland environment, using digital tools to capture, document, and interpret their observations. Students employ dip net sampling techniques to gather and examine macroinvertebrates, then using digital tools, they capture and categorize their observations, further employing the "Water bugs" app to identify species. The activity concludes with an emphasis on the ecological significance of the organisms studied. The follow-up in-school session promotes collaborative data analysis and encourages reflection on conservation and the significance of wetlands. Here, students analyze the data collated during the field trip, share insights, and deliberate on the broader implications of their findings on wetland conservation. The combined approach of hands-on fieldwork and digital integration seeks to reinforce the importance of real-world scientific investigations in the context of environmental education.
Year 6
In the "Data Driven Discovery with Freshwater Macroinvertebrates" activity designed for Year 6 students, participants delve into the wetland ecosystem, focusing on the role of freshwater macroinvertebrates. Merging both Digital Technologies and Biological Sciences, students employ hands-on techniques like dip net sampling to collect specimens, which are then observed and documented using digital tools. The emphasis is on understanding the importance of macroinvertebrates to the wetland ecosystem and harnessing technology to analyze and record findings. The subsequent in-school lesson encourages collaborative data analysis, discussions on wetland health based on observed biodiversity, and exploration of conservation methods. Students are guided to reflect on the symbiotic relationship between macroinvertebrates and the larger ecosystem, emphasizing the pivotal role of conservation.
