Phillip Island Nature Park Education programs. Based on the VELS curriculum

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Gerard Davis
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1 Phillip Island Nature Park Education programs Based on the VELS curriculum

The Phillip Island Nature Park Education Department mission is: to develop a greater understanding of the natural environment through exploration, investigation and hands-on activities.

Talks, walks and hands-on activities provide an enhanced understanding of Phillip Islands diverse eco-systems while promoting empathy for the natural environment so it is protected for future

All activities are presented by rangers who possess an intimate knowledge of the Nature Parks flora, fauna and diverse eco-system.

2 The Phillip Island Nature Park Education Department mission is: to develop a greater understanding of the natural environment through exploration, investigation and hands-on activities. Phillip Island Nature Park is a self-funding funding organisation dedicated to the conservation of Phillip island s s wildlife and natural features. Talks, walks and hands-on activities provide an enhanced understanding of Phillip Islands diverse eco-systems while promoting empathy for the natural environment so it is protected for future generations. Our structured education programs are linked with the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) and VCE study designs. All activities are presented by rangers who possess an intimate knowledge of the Nature Parks flora, fauna and diverse eco-system. Planning your visit: Phillip Island is an easy two hour drive from Melbourne making it a convenient day trip. Alternatively, overnight stays can take full advantage of all the island has to offer. There are several established school camps. If you would like more details please let us know. Our rangers are nationally accredited eco-guides with level 2 first aid qualifications, ensuring out programs are well run, educational, hands and fun filled. f For further enquires please schoolbookings@penguins.org.au

learn about the Little Penguins life both on land and at sea.

Penguin Parade Investigation the Little Penguin (VELS levels 3-4) 3 In this fun filled ranger led

needs and how ranger care for their environment Location: Penguin Parade or school camp Penguin

3 it s s all about penguins! Feathers, Flippers and Fun (VELS levels 1-2) 1 Through hands-on and engaging activities students learn about the Little Penguins life both on land and at sea. This ranger led activity is the perfect addition to a visit to the Penguin Parade Location: Penguin Parade Investigation the Little Penguin (VELS levels 3-4) 3 In this fun filled ranger led adventure students explore the special features of the Little Penguins, their threats, survival needs and how ranger care for their environment Location: Penguin Parade or school camp Penguin Life Our ranger led walk explores penguin adaptations and special features. Students investigate Little Penguin threats, Management strategies and the latest amazing research on Little Penguins. Location: Penguin Parade

4 Project Penguin Homes (VELS level 6) Phillip Island was once home to ten penguin colonies, now there is only one. This last colony at the Summerland Peninsula was almost lost due to Housing developments. As part of the Summerlands buy back scheme, houses are being removed and the housing estate is being returned d to the penguin habitat. Students install artificial burrows and revegetate sites to encourage the Little Penguins to retune to the area. Location: Summerland Peninsula Duration: 2 hours NB: this is a seasonal activity Research Little Penguins Discover the range of scientific research methods used to study the Little Penguin. Learn how data generated from these projects help govern management and conservation practices. Students are exposed to the various research methodologies utilised by the Phillip Island Nature Park research team in hands-on activities. Location: Penguin Parade Balancing Tourism and the Environment (VELS levels 6) Phillip Island is home to one the world s s largest Little Penguin colonies. The world famous Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach has over 500,00 visitors per year. Students investigate how the Penguin Parade has changed since the 1920 s, and its role in the past and present conservation of the Little Penguin Rangers describe strategies designed to minimize visitor r impacts whilst still creating a natural experience. Students will explore their own view for the future management of the Penguin Parade. Location: Penguin Parade Duration: 2 hours

Rangers explore the koala s s special features; including their two thumbs, fur and upside down pouch.

Location: Koala Conservation Centre Conserving Koalas (VELS levels 4-6) 4 This ranger led activity focuses on

5 it s s all about koalas! Koala Capers (VELS levels 1-5) 1 Students investigate the creatures of the bush on this ranger led activity. Rangers explore the koala s s special features; including their two thumbs, fur and upside down pouch. Students will see, feel and even smell the koala s s world. Location: Koala Conservation Centre Conserving Koalas (VELS levels 4-6) 4 This ranger led activity focuses on koala special features, their threats and how the Nature Park assist in maintaining a healthy population through research and management. Through this ranger led activity students will learn about the koalas and their natural habitat Location: Koala Conservation Centre Bushtucker trail (VELS levels 3-6) 3 The Indigenous clan of Phillip Island survived on a variety of food f from the environment. Discover how the land was used before European people settled here. Location: Swan Lake

features, threats and survival needs. Use cameras to view the behavior of the seals in their natural environment.

of the creatures that call the Nobbies home, You may even see penguins, crested turns, silver gull chicks, snakes and

Location: The Nobbies Seals Rock The colony of Australian Fur Seals at Seal Rocks is now one of the largest in

6 it s s all about seals! Seal Secrets (VELS level 1-4) 1 Explore the life of the playful Australian Fur Seals, including their special features, threats and survival needs. Use cameras to view the behavior of the seals in their natural environment. Location: The Nobbies Nobbies Eco-Explorer Explorer (VELS level 1-4) 1 Join rangers on this truly amazing exploration of the creatures that call the Nobbies home, You may even see penguins, crested turns, silver gull chicks, snakes and blue tongue lizards. This ranger led activity includes exploration of the Nobbies boardwalks. Location: The Nobbies Seals Rock The colony of Australian Fur Seals at Seal Rocks is now one of the largest in Australia. Use cameras to view the playful seals and discover their special features, biology and behavior. Learn about the latest research being conducted on the seals and how this has changed our understanding of this species. Location: The Nobbies

Clydesdale horses. Learn how both Indigenous and European use of the land and its resources have impacted on the natural eco-system.

7 it s s all about churchill island! Heritage Farm (VELS levels 1-4) 1 Students travel back in time with a ranger to investigate the characters of Churchill Island John Rogers, the potato farmers, Amess cannon and even the gentle Clydesdale horses. Learn how both Indigenous and European use of the land and its resources have impacted on the natural eco-system. May also include demonstrations of sheep shearing, blacksmithing, working dogs, cow milking, butter churning, bakers oven and old time games. Location: Churchill Island plus activities Heritage Farm Learn how both Indigenous and European use of the land and its resources have impacted the natural eco-systems. Consider how we can live sustainable through a balance between natural resource use and eco-system preservation. Students will explore environmental issues facing their schools and community and develop ways in which they can reduce their impact on the environment. Location: Churchill Island

needs. Location: Various beaches Duration: 1.5 hours Note: Subject to tide times.

8 it s s all about the the beach! Rockpool Ramble (VELS levels 3-6) 3 Explore the rock platform s s incredible marine life with a Phillip Island Nature Park ranger. You will be amazed by the creatures you discover, their habitat, special features and survival needs. Location: Various beaches Duration: 1.5 hours Note: Subject to tide times. Beach Treasures (VELS levels 1-4) 1 Discover clues from creatures you would only see whilst scuba diving. Take part in a guided exploration of the high tide area and the treasures that get washed ashore. Location: Various beaches

Location: At your camp Mystery Spotlight (VELS levels 3-4) 3 During this ranger led activity students explore the amazing nocturnal animals of the Australian bush.

9 it s s all about stories at night! Wildlife Stories (VELS levels 1-4) 1 Rangers engage students with amazing facts and Australian wildlife. Rangers may also visit your camp and bring the Island s s wildlife to life with taxidermy animals and storytelling. Location: At your camp Mystery Spotlight (VELS levels 3-4) 3 During this ranger led activity students explore the amazing nocturnal animals of the Australian bush. Discover what special features help them survive and how we can all help protect the bush. b Location: Koala Conservation Centre Duration: 1.5 hours Mystery Spotlight Discover the amazing nocturnal wildlife of Phillip Island woodlands. Investigate the behavior, habitat and requirements of the animals you discover. Location: Koala Conservation Centre Duration: 1.5 hours Spooky Night (VELS levels 3-4) 3 Put a little fright in you night! Rangers are your guides to the e eerie past of Churchill Island. You may see some crazy things and feel goose bumps. Location: Churchill Island Durations: 1.2 hours

Information for the Media

Information for the Media koalas Page 1 A film permit is required for all commercial photography and filming at Phillip Island Nature Parks. To obtain a permit, or if you have any queries pre- or post-