We have created two educational resources to accompany the Bush Blitz TeachLive program. They are both designed to be used by teachers with any level of connection to the program, so whether you are participating in an expedition, following another teacher as they participate or you have just discovered the website using an internet search, these resources will be suitable for you and your students!
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This unit utilises the inquiry method to encourage students to explore the role of scientific research in building our understanding of Australian plants and animals, and the ways in which this research helps protect Australia's biodiversity.
As the unit progresses, students are tasked with creating a Newspapers in Education (NIE) feature about the scientific research undertaken in the Bush Blitz program, and how this research assists in the protection of Australia's environment and biodiversity. Students also explain how they too can explore and protect biodiversity at a local level and propose ways that students in schools can get involved in a biodiversity conservation project. Having undertaken the production of an NIE feature, students share their feature article in a presentation to other classes.
The resource includes curriculum links for years 5-6. However many of the activities can be readily adapted for use at other year levels, and we encourage teachers to do so.
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Secondary School Resource: 'Bush Blitz... generating solutions'
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This inquiry-based unit uses Project Based Learning (PBL) as a way to engage students about scientific research and biodiversity.
Students are given an insight into ways that scientists are discovering and recording the hidden plants and animals that live in remote parts of Australia, and how the evidence they collect is generating solutions to a range of contemporary issues. Students also investigate and collect evidence about how these solutions may impact the environment, society, economy and decision-making at local and national levels. As the unit progresses, students in groups are tasked with producing a documentary that describes how the these discoveries have led to an improved understanding of a range of scientific ideas, and generated solutions to contemporary problems.
The resource includes curriculum links for years 7-8. However this is a suggested age range only and teachers are encouraged to modify activities to suit the needs of the students with whom they are working.
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