the marine discovery centre queenscliff victoria
TRANSCRIPT
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The Marine Discovery Centre
Queenscliff
Victoria
An education facility of the
Marine and Freshwater Resources Institute
Welcome to a watery world of discovery…..
2
The Marine Discovery Centre
Our mission:
To promote conservation by increasing awarenessand understanding of the marine environment
The Marine Discovery Centre is an education facility of the prestigious Marine and Freshwater ResourcesInstitute (MAFRI). It is the only marine education facility in southern Australia to be linked to such anInstitute.
The Marine Discovery Centre is located at MAFRI’s Queenscliff campus, half an hour from Geelong.
Queenscliff is surrounded by Victoria’s greatest diversity of coastal habitats; encouraging learning in theseenvironments is a key part of our philosophy. It is the experience of learning in the marine environmentprovided by the Marine Discovery Centre that is so important to both curriculum and environmentaloutcomes.
The Marine Discovery Centre assists people of all ages to discover the wonders of these marineenvironments, but our special focus is on school students: the future custodians of the sea. Our staff arequalified and experienced teachers with backgrounds in marine biology, ecology, and environmentalinterpretation.
We recognise that experiential learning and the development of attitudes go hand in hand and that hands-on(and feet-in!) experiences are among the most powerful ways of learning. Accordingly, all of our sessionsinclude opportunities for students to interact with live animals in a variety of settings.
A visit to the Marine Discovery Centre will provide your students with experiences that are impossible toreproduce in the classroom, but will be of unquestionable advantage in follow-up classroom work. Allsessions, including our teacher professional development activities, are CSF and VCE friendly!
We look forward to seeing you at Queenscliff!
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Esso in the Community
Esso Australia Ltd. is pleased to support the Marine Discovery Centre’s first comprehensive EducationServices publication.
Esso’s most important contribution to Australia is as the operating company responsible for the production ofa significant proportion of all the oil needed by the country every day and virtually all of Victoria’s naturalgas.
It is important to Esso that we not only contribute to the economic well being of Australia, we also contributeto the quality and character of life in the country. The Marine Discovery Centre is supported by Esso’sprogram of corporate contributions and sponsorships which assists organisations to conduct projects thatmeet genuine community needs. The areas of support include environment, education, health and safety,community services and the arts.
Australia’s oceans are environments about which there is still much to learn. Esso’s support of the MarineDiscovery Centre, which has included the provision of laboratory and oceanographic equipment for studentuse, enables students of all ages to discover the wonders of our coasts and seas.
A better awareness and understanding of the marine environment is a goal Esso shares with the MarineDiscovery Centre and it is with pleasure that we have supported this important education facility for the pastseven years.
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Contents
About the CentreTo make a booking 5Program costs 6Making the most of your visit 8
Details of our programsEarly Childhood Program 9Level 1 Programs 10Level 2 Programs 11Level 3 Programs 12Level 4 Programs 15Level 5 Programs 18Level 6 Programs 22Level 7 Programs 25VCE Programs 27For Tertiary Students 32Adventure activities for all groups 33Special Camp Programs 36Professional Development Programs 37
Further informationResource Kits 38Information Requests 38Work Experience Program 39Freshwater Discovery Centre 39Supporting Marine Education 40
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To make a booking…
Bookings can be made by telephoning our bookings officer in Queenscliff on
(03) 5258 3344
Please have the following details ready when you call:• A list of possible date(s) for your visit. This will allow us to find a suitable date if you choose an activity
that is tide dependent.• The session(s) you have chosen from this booklet and your preferred location (eg. Rockpools, Mudflats,
Marine Discovery Room etc.).• Your estimated arrival and departure times.• The number of students that will be visiting and their year level (including their CSF level).
Our bookings officer will assist you in coordinating your school’s program at the Marine Discovery Centre.If you have any specific questions regarding our education programs please speak to one of our educationofficers. We are happy to tailor a session or an extended program to meet your needs if required. If youare the teacher of a composite primary school class with students of different CSF levels, we can combinetwo sessions that have the same Key Learning Area, Strand and Substrand as their focus.
Soon after making your booking, you will receive a confirmation package in the mail that will include thefollowing:• Confirmation of booking letter which details the sessions you have booked for and their starting and
finishing times.• Map(s) for any activities not conducted at the Marine Discovery Centre.• Extension Activity pack(s) relevant to the CSF level(s) of your students or a VCE pack including pre-
visit materials and a teacher’s guide.• Beach Sensory trail guide, Wharf Walk booklet or Swan Bay Environment Trail (you might find
these useful for extending your visit to Queenscliff or as an alternative activity for your groups to dobetween sessions at the Marine Discovery Centre).
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Program costs
All sessions booked with the Marine Discovery Centre include time in the Marine Discovery Centre’saquarium where your students will have the opportunity to observe and carefully handle a wide range of localmarine animals and plants. The Marine Discovery Centre’s aquarium has been set up to represent a range ofmarine habitats and includes aquariums that focus on intertidal, mudflat, subtidal and seagrass habitats.
Special offers:
Secondary teachers, if you book any of the following combinations for the same group on the same day, payonly $16 per student.• Mudflats & Rockpools• Mudflats & Laboratory session• Rockpools & Laboratory session• Sand Dunes & Rockpools• Sand Dunes & Mudflats• Sand Dunes & Laboratory session
If you book more than one Marine Biology Cruise boat trip per day for your school, full cost applies to thefirst boat trip ($270) and the second trip is $250.
Minimum numbers:
Minimum costs apply to all lessons and field based activities as follows:
• Look and touch sessions (30 minutes) - $50 minimum• Lessons and field activities (1½ - 2 hours) - $100 minimum• Extended field activities (4 hours) – $150 minimum
Weekend bookings:
Weekend surcharges may apply, please contact us for more information.
Invoicing and payment of accounts:
We appreciate payment of your account on the day of your visit. You will be refunded for any payment madefor students who did not attend the excursion. If payment is unable to be arranged for the day of your visit, aninvoicing fee of $10 will be charged to your account.
Cancellation of booking:
When due notice of cancellation of a booking is not received, ie. at least two weeks prior to the date of theplanned visit, a cancellation fee of $50 will be charged to the organisation involved.
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Program Costs
Please note: The duration of each program listed in the table includes 30 minutes in the Marine DiscoveryCentre’s aquarium for a “Look and Touch” session.
Year Level Program Location Duration of
Program
Cost
Playgroup Marine Discovery Centre 45 minutes $3 per child
Early
Childhood
Marine Discovery Room 1¼ - 1½
hours
$5 per child
Primary
school: prep to
Grade 6
Marine Discovery Room
Rockpools
Mudflats
Sandy Beach
1½ hours
2 hours
2 hours
1½ hours
All $6 per child
Secondary
school:
Year 7 – 10
Marine Discovery Room
Marine Laboratory
Rocky shore
Mudflats
Sand Dunes
1½ hours
1½ hours
2½ hours
2½ hours
2 hours
All $7.50 per
student
VCE students
& Tertiary
students
Marine Laboratory
Rocky shore
Mudflats
Sand Dunes
Catchment Tour
Estuarine Ecosystems
2 hours
2½ hours
2½ hours
2½ hours
2½ hours
4 hours
$8.50 /student
$10 per student
$10 per student
$10 per student
$10 per student
$15 per student
All year levels Port Phillip Bay Marine
Biology Boat Cruise
2½ hours $270 flat rate
for up to 35
students
All year levels Mud Islands Adventure 5 hours $470 flat rate
for up to 35
students
All year levels Snorkelling Varied Price on
application
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Year Level Program Location Duration of
Program
Cost
All year levels Canoeing 2½ hours $14 per student
All year levels Oceanographer for a Day 4 hours $420 flat rate
for up to 20
students
All year levels Single Look and Touch
session
30 minutes $3 per student
Making the most of your visit
To make the most out of your visit to the Marine Discovery Centre, please:
• Inform your students of any special clothing or footwear they may require for outdoor sessions:- warm, preferably waterproof clothing- Old footwear that can get wet for any mudflat or rockpool sessions eg. runners, gumboots or wetsuitbootees (NO THONGS)- a change of footwear and clothing may be required- a hat and sunscreen for warmer days
• Notify the Marine Discovery Centre if there is a chance that you may be late on the day. It is importantthat you adhere to your starting times as another school may be booked to start immediately after yoursession.
• Ensure that all students have brought their lunch with them or that you have allowed ample time forstudents to purchase their lunch in Queenscliff.
• Copy the Wharf Walk or Swan Bay Environmental Trail if you will be utilising these on the day.
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Early Childhood Program
3OD\JURXSHU�3URJUDPLevel PlaygroupDuration 45 minutes
Our special program for playgroupers provides hands-on experiences of marine life. Special emphasis isplaced on careful handling of the animals and respect for their survival needs. We encourage activeexploration and investigation using all of the senses. Parents, babies and small children are welcome to attendand share in the experience.
³,¶G�OLNH�WR�EH�XQGHU�WKH�VHD���´Level Early ChildhoodDuration 1¼ - 1½ hour session
Our Early Childhood program provides hands-on experiences of marine life and encourages activeexploration and investigation using all of the senses. Within the program, experiences encompass alldevelopmental areas and are presented to children in such a way as to facilitate self-directed learning similarto that nurtured in early childhood settings. Children actively explore the sea-life, aquaria, displays andartefacts in the Centre. Following this, action stations in our Marine Discovery Room include live animals inmini-tanks, imaginary play, picture-story books, artefact cubby, puzzles and lots of opportunities for tactileexploration.
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Level 1 Programs
6HDZHHG��VHDVWDUV��VKHOOV�DQG�VDQGKey Learning Area ScienceStrand ScienceLocation Marine Discovery Room, Rockpools or Sandy BeachSession outline What’s living and non-living in the sea? Through close observation, hands-on
exploration and discussion, students will discover the importance of living andnon-living things in the sea.
/LYLQJ�LQ�WKH�6HDKey Learning Area Science, The Arts and Studies of Society and EnvironmentStrand Science, Drama, Natural and Social SystemsLocation Marine Discovery Room, Rockpools or MudflatsSession outline What do we need to survive? Do marine animals and plants need the same
things?Students will identify the needs of living things through role play, selfdiscovery through tactile experiences and close observation of live animals andplants.
([SORUH�WKH�6HDKey Learning Area ScienceStrand ScienceLocation Marine Discovery Room, Rockpools or Sandy BeachSession Outline Students will discover the myriad of smells, colours, sights, textures, sounds and
tastes in the sea through sensory exploration.
,W¶V�2XU�&RDVW�WR�&DUH�)RUKey Learning Area Studies of Society & the EnvironmentStrand Place and SpaceLocation RockpoolsSession Outline Students will explore the wonders of the marine environment and will investigate
ways in which they can care for these special places.
.
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Level 2 Programs
'HIHQFHV�DQG�'LVJXLVHVKey Learning Area Science, The ArtsStrand Science, Drama, Visual ArtsSub-strand Creating, Making and PresentingLocation Marine Discovery RoomSession Outline How do animals in the sea disguise and defend themselves from their predators?
Students are underwater detectives and their mission is to find the answer to thisquestion using the Centre’s live animals. The clues they collect will help them toconstruct the “ultimate marine animal”!
%RQHV��%XPSV�DQG�%OREVKey Learning Area ScienceStrand ScienceLocation Choose between Rockpools, Mudflats or BoatSession outline Students will explore the amazing structures that help marine animals and plants
survive in the watery world of the sea.
/LYLQJ�ZLWK�WKH�7LGHKey Learning Area ScienceStrand ScienceLocation Rocky ShoreSession outline Students will explore the amazing diversity of life at the rocky shore and
discover some of the special adaptations that these animals and plants have tocope with the harsh conditions of living with the tide.
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Level 2
&RPPXQLWLHV�LQ�WKH�6HDKey Learning Area Studies of Society & the EnvironmentStrand Natural and Social SystemsLocation Choose between Marine Discovery Room, Mudflats, Sandy Beach or BoatSession outline What makes a community? Students will investigate the elements of the marine
environment that piece together to form a community such as the animals, plants,non-living objects and the environmental conditions that affect the community.
7HQWDFOHV�WR�7XEHIHHWKey Learning Area ScienceStrand ScienceLocation Choose between Rocky Shore, Marine Discovery Room or BoatSession Outline What features do marine animals share? What features make them different? In
this activity, students will closely observe a variety of marine invertebrates(animals without backbones) and use their features to sort them into groups
,W¶V�2XU�&RDVW�WR�&DUH�)RUKey Learning Area Studies of Society & the EnvironmentStrand Place and SpaceLocation Choose between Rocky Shore, Sand Dunes, Mudflats or Marine Discovery
RoomSession outline Students will explore the wonders of the marine environment and will investigate
ways in which they can care for these special places.
13
Level 3 Programs0DWLQJ��*URZLQJ�DQG�0RXOWLQJKey Learning Area ScienceStrand Biological ScienceSubstrand Living Together: past,present,futureLocation Marine Discovery RoomSession outline What does a baby crab look like? How do snails’ shells get bigger? Why do
hermit crabs need to live in shells? Students will explore some of the incrediblelifecycles of marine animals and the ways that they grow by closely observinglive animals and artefacts in our Discovery Room.
6KDSLQJ�&RDVWOLQHVKey Learning Area ScienceStrand Earth and space sciencesSubstrand The Changing EarthLocation Sandy Beach and Rocky ShoreSession outline During a visit to the beach, students will investigate the forces that shape our
coastlines. This will be done through fun activities such as sand sculptures,modelling natural processes and collection of sand and rock samples to viewwith our field microscopes.
.
,QVLGH��2XWVLGH�DQG�,QEHWZHHQKey Learning Area Science, The ArtsStrand Biological Science, DramaSubstrand Structure and FunctionLocation Marine Discovery RoomSession outline Students will examine selected marine animals to investigate the internal and
external features that assist survival in the sea. This activity will involve hands-on examination of live and preserved animals as well as the use of our larger-than-life puppets and role-play to explore concepts of structure and function.
*HQWOH�*LDQWV�RI�WKH�6HDKey Learning Area ScienceStrand Biological ScienceSubstrand Living Togther: past,present, futureLocation Marine Discovery RoomSession outline A number of marine animals are now considered endangered as a result of
human activity. Using the Marine Discovery Centre’s collection of whale, turtleand seal artefacts, students will learn more about these amazing creatures andother gentle giants. Students will discover threats to their survival and somestrategies for their conservation.
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Level 3
/LYLQJ�LQ�WKH�6HDKey Learning Area ScienceStrand Biological ScienceSubstrand Living Together: past,present,futureLocation Choose between Rocky Shore, Mudflats, Boat or Marine Discovery RoomSession outline What is needed to survive in the sea? Through hands on exploration of a range of
marine animals and plants, students will discover what affects the survival ofliving organisms in the marine environment.
,W¶V�2XU�&RDVW�WR�&DUH�)RUKey Learning Area Studies of Society & the EnvironmentStrand Place and SpaceLocation Rocky Shore, Sand Dunes, Marine Discovery Room or MudflatsSession outline Students will explore the wonders of the marine environment and the issues
affecting it. They will investigate ways in which they can care for these specialplaces. Issues investigated may include water pollution, plastics pollution,introduced species or wildlife poaching.
&\FOHV�LQ�WKH�6HDKey Learning Area Studies of Society & the EnvironmentStrand Natural and Social SystemsLocation Mudflats or Rocky ShoreSession outline Students will investigate some of the naturally occurring cycles in the sea such as
tidal cycles, nutrient cycles and energy flows.
15
Level 4 Programs
(DWLQJ��&KDVLQJ�DQG�+LGLQJKey Learning Area ScienceStrand Biological ScienceSubstrand Living Together: past,present,futureLocation Choose between Marine Discovery Room, Rockpools or MudflatsSession Outline Students will investigate relationships - such as feeding, competition, parenting
and collaboration - that exist between marine animals and plants.
*XHVV�ZKR¶V�FRPLQJ�WR�GLQQHU"Key Learning Area ScienceStrand Biological ScienceSubstrand Living Together: past, present, futureLocation Choose between Rocky shore, Mudflats or Marine Discovery RoomSession outline Through close observations, students will discover a variety of ways in which
living things are dependent on each other. Based on their observations, studentswill piece together a food web to describe the community they have studied.
7KH�,QVLGH�6WRU\Key Learning Area ScienceStrand Biological ScienceSubstrand Structure and functionLocation Marine Discovery RoomSession outline How to seastars eat? How do sea urchins move? Through close observation of
living and preserved marine animals and plants and our famous zip-up fish,students will discover what makes marine animals and plants tick.
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Level 4
6H[�LQ�WKH�6HDKey Learning Area ScienceStrand Biological ScienceSubstrand Living Together:past,present,futureLocation Marine Education LaboratorySession outline How do seaweeds reproduce? How can you sex a crab? Pregnant males with
seahorse tails? Through observations, students discover some of the simple andcomplex patterns of reproduction in the sea. Students will have the opportunityto use microscopes to observe reproductive structures and perhaps even somebaby marine animals!
:KHUH�WKH�:LOG�/LPSHWV�5RDPKey Learning Area ScienceStrand Biological ScienceSubstrand Structure and functionLocation Rocky ShoreSession outline How do marine animals respond to changes in their environment? How do they
protect themselves from becoming another animal’s dinner? In this hands-on andobservational study, students will discover how animals use their senses to detectand respond to their environment.
$�9LHZ�RI�WKH�&RDVWKey Learning Area Studies of Society & the EnvironmentStrand Place and SpaceLocation MudflatsSession outline Using the internationally significant environment of Swan Bay Marine Reserve,
students will sample various microhabitats to become familiar with theinhabitants and the importance of this special place. Through close observationstudents will investigate different user groups that have an impact on the Bay.
17
Level 4
,W¶V�2XU�&RDVW�WR�&DUH�)RUKey Learning Area Studies of Society & the EnvironmentStrand Place and SpaceLocation Choose between Rocky Shore, Sand Dunes, Marine Discovery Room or
MudflatsSession outline Students will explore the wonders of the marine environment and the issues
affecting it. They will investigate ways in which they can care for these specialplaces. Issues investigated may include water pollution, plastics pollution,introduced species and wildlife poaching.
0DULQH�$TXDULXP�7HFKQRORJ\Key Learning Area TechnologyStrand SystemsLocation Marine Discovery Room and Marine Education LaboratorySession outline Students will investigate the technology needed to set up and maintain marine
aquariums and to keep animals alive. Students will identify problems and designand produce solutions.
7HFKQRORJ\�LQ�WKH�6HDKey Learning Area TechnologyStrand MaterialsLocation Choose between Marine Discovery Room and Queenscliff Wharf or BoatSession outline Students will investigate a range of technologies involved in fishing, boat
building and sampling of marine environments. Students will have theopportunity to test a variety of sampling equipment while observing a range ofanimals and plants found in Port Phillip Bay. Pre-visit activities will providestudents with the opportunity to design their own sampling equipment whichthey can they try out on the day!
18
Level 5 Programs
'\QDPLF�'XQHVKey Learning Area Science, Studies of Society & the EnvironmentStrand Biological Science, Place and SpaceSubstrand Living together: past,present,futureLocation Sand DunesSession outline Coastal environments are tough! To survive, plants must cope with salt, wind,
shifting sands and human impacts. While visiting a sand dune system, studentswill sample, observe, test and record changes in vegetation and physicalconditions and link these together as a system.
8QGHU�WKH�0LFURVFRSHKey Learning Area ScienceStrand Biological ScienceSubstrand Structure and functionLocation Marine Education LaboratorySession outline In this laboratory investigation, students use microscopes to study the structure
of some simple marine animals and plants. Through observations of increasinglycomplex organisms, students develop an understanding of cellular organisationand specialisation.
$�'LIIHUHQW�:D\�WR�)HHGKey Learning Area ScienceStrand Biological ScienceSubstrand Living together:past,present,futureLocation Choose between Rocky Shore, Boat, Mudflats or Marine Discovery RoomSession outline Carnivorous snails and stinging anemones! How do marine animals and plants
meet their food needs? Through observation of live animals and experimentation,students will discover how different organisms obtain their nutritionalrequirements.
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Level 5
6LPLODU�EXW�'LIIHUHQWKey Learning Area ScienceStrand Biological ScienceSubstrand Living Together: past, present, futureLocation Rocky shore, Boat or Marine Discovery RoomSession outline Starfish, Cuttlefish, Jellyfish, Shellfish - are these animals really fish? In this
investigation students will observe a wide variety of marine invertebrates andvertebrates. Based on their observations, students will then use the features oforganisms to sort them into major phyla and classes.
7LGHVKey Learning Area ScienceStrand Earth and space sciencesSub-strand Our Place in spaceLocation Choose between Rocky Shore or MudflatsSession outline Students will investigate the movement of the tides through observations. They
will also consider how variations in tidal levels can have an impact on thesurvival of living organisms on the shoreline.
$�9LHZ�RI�WKH�&RDVWKey Learning Area Studies of Society & the EnvironmentStrand Place and SpaceLocation MudflatsSession outline Using the internationally significant environment of Swan Bay Marine Reserve,
students will sample various micro-habitats to become familiar with theinhabitants and the importance of this special place. Through observationstudents will investigate the different user groups that have an impact on the Bay.
&KDQJHV�RQ�WKH�&RDVWKey Learning Area ScienceStrand Earth and space sciencesSubstrand Our place in spaceLocation Sand Dunes and Marine Discovery RoomSession outline The combined effects of tides, currents, sediment movement and human activity
have dramatically altered the shape of some of our coastlines. Through site visitsand a laboratory study, students will investigate the ways in which sea walls,groynes, piers and other structures influence the stability and shape of the coast.
20
Level 5
7KH�%D\�LQ�3HUVSHFWLYHKey Learning Area Studies of Society & the EnvironmentStrand Place and SpaceLocation BoatSession outline Port Phillip Bay supports a wealth of marine life. Through sampling and
observation, students will become familiar with a range of the Bay’s inhabitants.Students will also consider the impact of the surrounding catchment in whichover 3 million people live.
3RUW�3KLOOLS�%D\��$�0XOWLSOH�8VH�5HVRXUFHKey Learning Area Studies of Society & the EnvironmentStrand Resources, Place and SpaceLocation Mudflats and Queenscliff WharfSession outline Port Phillip Bay has a multitude of uses which include recreational and
commercial fishing, transport, tourism, aquaculture, waste disposal, research,education, conservation and more. This field tour will explore many of these usesand the potential conflicts which can arise. Students will have the opportunity todiscover the Bay’s most sensitive resource - its animals and plants.
7HFKQRORJ\�LQ�WKH�6HDKey Learning Area TechnologyStrand MaterialsLocation BoatSession outline Students will investigate the range of technologies involved in fishing, boat
building and sampling of marine environments. Students will have theopportunity to test a variety of sampling equipment while observing a range ofanimals and plants found in Port Phillip Bay. Pre-visit activities will providestudents with the opportunity to design their own sampling equipment whichthey can they try out on the day!
21
Level 5
0DULQH�$TXDULXP�7HFKQRORJ\Key Learning Area TechnologyStrand SystemsLocation Marine Discovery Room and Marine Education LaboratorySession Outline Students will investigate the technology needed to set up and maintain marine
aquariums and to keep animals alive. Students will identify problems and designand produce solutions.
+RZ�PDQ\�VWUDLJKW�OLQHV�LQ�D�FUDE"Key Learning Area MathematicsStrand Space, Number, MeasurementLocation MudflatsSession outline This activity is set in the shallow seagrass meadows of Swan Bay Marine
Reserve and forms part of an ongoing survey of its crab population. Studentscollect crabs, take measurements and generate data which is used for part of theactivity back at school. This hands-on maths activity will provide theopportunity to apply mathematical skills and understandings to solve practicalproblems. Students will use measuring instruments such as callipers; estimationand prediction skills and recording skills. Data collected can be entered into theInstitute’s database via our home pagehttp://www.nre.vic.gov.au/mafri/discovery
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Level 6 Programs
$�9LHZ�RI�WKH�&RDVWKey Learning Area Studies of Society & the EnvironmentStrand Place and SpaceLocation MudflatsSession outline Using the internationally significant environment of Swan Bay, students sample
various habitats to become familiar with the inhabitants and the importance ofthis special place. Through observation and role-play they investigate thedifferent user groups that have an impact on the Bay.
7KH�%D\�LQ�3HUVSHFWLYHKey Learning Area Studies of Society & the EnvironmentStrand Place and SpaceLocation BoatSession outline Port Phillip Bay supports a wealth of marine life. Through sampling and
observation, students become familiar with a range of the Bay’s inhabitants.Students will also consider the impact of the surrounding catchment in whichover 3 million people live.
+RZ�PDQ\�VWUDLJKW�OLQHV�LQ�D�FUDE"Key Learning Area MathematicsStrand Space, Number, MeasurementLocation MudflatsSession outline This activity is set in the shallow seagrass meadows of Swan Bay and forms part
of an ongoing survey of its crab population. Students collect crabs, takemeasurements and generate data which is used for part of the activity back atschool. This hands-on maths activity will provide the opportunity to applymathematical skills and understandings to solve practical problems. At this levelstudents extend their application of mathematical skills by using the data toproduce unusual representations of crabs, for example naming crabs usingmathematical language : Pebble crab:y = 3x+4. Possible level 7 extensions include investigating uncertainty inmeasurement.Data collected can be entered into the Institute’s database via our home page -http://www.nre.vic.gov.au/mafri/discovery
23
Level 6
0DULQH�3ODQWVKey Learning Area ScienceStrand Biological scienceSubstrand Structure and functionLocation Marine Education LaboratorySession outline Victoria has the world’s highest diversity of marine algae. Students will explore
algal diversity in the laboratory and undertake simple experiments onphotosynthesis and respiration and observe the pigments present in seaweeds.
0DULQH�$TXDULXP�7HFKQRORJ\Key Learning Area TechnologyStrand SystemsLocation Marine Discovery Room and Marine Education LaboratorySession outline Students will investigate the technology needed to set up and maintain marine
aquariums and to keep animals alive. Students will identify problems and designand produce solutions.
7HFKQRORJ\�LQ�WKH�6HDKey Learning Area TechnologyStrand MaterialsLocation BoatSession outline Students will investigate the range of technologies involved in fishing, boat
building and sampling of marine environments. Students will have theopportunity to test a variety of sampling equipment and observe and record theanimals and plants that they find before returning these to the sea. Pre-visitactivities will provide students with the opportunity to design their own samplingequipment which they can they try out on the day!
'\QDPLF�'XQHVKey Learning Area Studies of Society & the EnvironmentStrand Place and SpaceSubstrand Living TogetherLocation Sand DunesSession outline Coastal environments are tough! To survive plants must cope with salt, wind,
shifting sands and human impacts. While visiting a sand dune system, studentswill sample, observe, test and record changes in vegetation and physicalconditions and link these changes together as a system.
24
Level 6
&\FOHV�RI�0DWWHU�DQG�(QHUJ\Key Learning Area ScienceStrand Biological ScienceSubstrand Living Together: past, present, futureLocation Choose between Mudflats, Marine Education Laboratory or Rocky ShoreSession outline Through the study of a mudflat, rocky shore or a plankton community, students
will identify a range of producer and consumer organisms and use thisinformation to construct a food web for the community.
/LIH�EHJLQV�LQ�WKH�6HDKey Learning Area ScienceStrand Biological ScienceSubstrand Living Together: past, present, futureLocation Marine Education LaboratorySession outline Through a laboratory study of marine invertebrates, students become familiar
with increasing levels of cellular organisation which correspond to the evolutionof multicellular organisms. Students also make comparisons between survival inthe sea and on land and investigate the reasons for the much higher diversity inour oceans.
0LFURVFRSH�RQ�D�&RPPXQLW\Key Learning Area ScienceStrand Biological ScienceSubstrand Living Together: past, present, futureLocation Marine Education LaboratorySession outline Students will closely examine a community of mussels, a seaweed holdfast
community or a pier pylon community to investigate the animals that liveamongst them. Using data collected they will develop a food web and considerthe ways in which energy flows through the community. The communityinvestigated will vary seasonally.
25
Level 6 Extension Programs
0DULQH�&RQVHUYDWLRQKey Learning Area ScienceStrand Biological ScienceLocation Marine Discovery RoomSession outline Oils, plastics, overfishing, waste disposal and sewage outfalls are just some of
the issues affecting our marine environment. In this program students willexplore some of these issues through practical activities, role-play anddiscussion.
&DWFKPHQW�&RQQHFWLRQVKey Learning Area ScienceStrand Biological ScienceLocation Swan Bay mudflats and surrounding Catchment areaSession outline Swan Bay near Queenscliff is a major fish nursery area and is internationally
recognised bird habitat. In this field investigation, students will become familiarwith the values of Swan Bay as a community through non-destructive samplingof the life of the Bay. A tour of the Catchment will allow students to considerhow land management affects the Bay. Ideal for small groups with flexibletransport.
*RLQJ�'HHSHU���'LYLQJ�7HFKQRORJ\Key Learning Area ScienceStrand Biological ScienceLocation Marine Education LaboratorySession outline What is needed for humans to survive underwater? This activity provides
students with an opportunity to understand how technology helps humanssurvive below the surface and problems that must be overcome. Comparisons ofphysiology will be made between humans and marine animals. As an optionalextra students have the opportunity to experience the underwater world with a“try-dive”.
26
Level 6 extension
%LRGLYHUVLW\�LQ�WKH�6HDKey Learning Area ScienceStrand Biological ScienceLocation Choose between a Snorkel or Rocky ShoreSession outline An investigation of the diversity of Victoria’s marine and coastal environment
through direct observation. Students will develop an awareness of the importanceof biodiversity from a human perspective as well as strategies for sustaining theenvironments that sustain us.
6ZDQ�%D\���7RR�6SHFLDO�WR�6SRLOKey Learning Area Studies of Society & the EnvironmentStrand Place and SpaceLocation Swan Bay and surrounding CatchmentSession outline Students will investigate the values of Swan Bay Marine Reserve through field
sampling and observation. Through testing water quality both within the Bay andin the Catchment, students will establish links between land use andcharacteristics of Swan Bay.
7HPSHUDWH�5HHI�'LYHUVLW\Key Learning Area ScienceStrand Life and LivingSubstrand Biodiversity, Change and ContinuityLocation BoatSession outline Did you know that Australia’s southern coastline has the world’s highest
diversity of red and brown algae, bryozoans, crustaceans and ascidians?Students will be introduced to this incredible diversity of plants and animalsthrough a boat trip on Port Phillip Bay. Students will have the opportunity to sortand classify marine life with particular attention given to our world class algaldiversity.
27
VCE Programs
The Marine Discovery Centre offers a range of programs and activities for VCE students.We can tailor a session or an extended program to meet your needs. An example of othersessions that we can offer include:
• Natural resource management• Fisheries management• Marine invertebrate classification• Outdoor education• Arts by the Sea• ESL or LOTE
,QYHVWLJDWLQJ�D�5RFN\�6KRUHSubject & Unit Biology - Unit 1Location Barwon HeadsSession outline Students will investigate the patterns of distribution of animals and plants on the
Barwon Heads rock platform using transect lines and quadrats. There will also bean opportunity to compare the marine life found on the Barwon Heads sandstonerock platform to that found on the basalt boulder rock platform.
5RFNSRRO�5DPEOHSubject & Unit Biology - Units1 & 2,Environmental Science - Unit 1,Outdoor Education - Unit1Location Barwon Heads or Point LonsdaleSession outline Students will discover the fascinating animal and plant life of the rocky shore
and will develop an understanding of the adaptations which allow theseorganisms to cope with such extreme conditions. Human impacts and their effecton rocky shore organisms will also be examined and discussed.
,QYHVWLJDWLQJ�DQ�(FRV\VWHP���6ZDQ�%D\�0XGIODWVSubject & Unit Biology - Unit 1, Environmental Science - Units 1,2 & 3, Geography - Units 1 &
3Location Swan Bay, QueenscliffSession outline This field exploration will provide students with opportunities to investigate the
mudflat ecosystem of Swan Bay - a marine reserve of international significance.The animals and plants found in the microhabitats associated with Swan Bay willbe studied and food webs will be drawn up. A follow up laboratory study willprovide students with the opportunity to investigate the microorganisms living inmud and water samples collected from Swan Bay. Variations to this session caninclude water quality monitoring in Swan Bay, investigation of animaladaptations or human impact studies.
28
VCE
6ZDQ�%D\�&DWFKPHQW�7RXUSubject & Unit Biology - Unit 1, Environmental Science - Units 1,2 & 3, Outdoor Education -
Unit 1, Geography - Units 1 & 3Location Swan Bay and surrounding catchment areaSession outline This practical field tour will visit a number of sites in the Swan Bay Catchment
to investigate the links between land use and aquatic habitat health. Students willhave opportunities to take and compare water samples from various locationswithin the Swan Bay Catchment.
6DQG�'XQH�6WXG\Subject & Unit Biology - Unit 1, Environmental Science - Units 1,2 & 3, Geography - Units 1 &
3Location Queenscliff Sand DunesSession outline During this field excursion, students will investigate sand dune succession and
the coastal processes responsible for shaping sand dunes. The focus of thesession for biology students will be classification and adaptations of dune plants,and for geography and environmental science students, erosion and humanimpacts. The group may also visit a badly eroded dune at Dog Beach.
0DULQH�%LRORJ\�&UXLVHSubject & Unit Biology - Units 1 & 2, Environmental Science - Units 1,2, & 3Location Port Phillip BaySession outline Students will discover a host of marine life both above and below the surface of
Port Phillip Bay. While on board a small sledge is deployed which samplesmaterial from the bottom of the Bay. This is then sorted by students on the deckof the boat and can include crabs, seastars, seahorses, sponges and some fish aswell as lots of seaweeds. Our cruise takes us across the Bay to a colony ofAustralian Fur Seals and we call in at Australia’s smallest Marine Reserve atPopes Eye to view the colony of Australasian Gannets that breed there. Wereturn to Queenscliff after returning our sample to the water. The focus of thiscruise can include animal and plant adaptations, classification, biodiversity,human impacts and issues affecting the Bay.
29
VCE
0XG�,VODQGV�$GYHQWXUHSubject & Unit Biology - Units 1 & 2, Environmental Science - Units 1,2, & 3, Geography -
Units 1 & 3Location Mud Islands Marine Reserve in Port Phillip BaySession Outline Discover one of Port Phillip Bay’s best kept secrets! Mud Islands supports a
wide range of plant and animal communities in shallow waters, in the sand dunesand in its protected central lagoon. During spring the islands explode with seabirds as they come to nest and breed. This incredible island is also home tothousands of migratory wader birds during the summer months that come to feedin the shallow lagoon. The focus of this adventure can include bird reproductivestrategies, mudflat ecosystem studies and animal and plant adaptations. A boattrip out to the islands from Queenscliff, wading from the boat to the islands, andthe incredible diversity of life on the islands make this one excursion yourstudents will never forget.
(VWXDULQH�(FRV\VWHPVSubject & Unit Biology - Unit 1, Environmental Science - Units 1 & 2, Geography - Units 1 &
3.Location Hovells Creek, GeelongSession Outline Students will visit and investigate four different communities at Hovells Creek.
Mudflats, Mangroves, Saltmarsh and Woodland communities are all withinwalking distance of each other. Students will investigate links between thesecommunities. This study can be undertaken on foot or from the lagoon and creekby canoe. The lagoon supports a significant seagrass community including avariety of fish and other marine animals. This site is now recognised as aninternationally significant wader bird habitat. Students will use a range ofsampling equipment including nets, buckets, corers and field microscopes toinvestigate what lives in the lagoon and creek. Students will also consider thepotential impact of both the catchment and surrounding industry on the estuary.
30
VCE
&KDQJHV�LQ�&RDVWDO�(QYLURQPHQWVSubject & unit Environmental Science - Units1 & 2, Geography - Units 1 & 3Location Queenscliff beachSession Outline Students will investigate geomorphology and the forces responsible for changing
the shape of our coastline. Students will take field measurements and comparethese to historical records to determine changes that have taken place over timein the coastal landscape.
6WUXFWXUH�RI�D�&RPPXQLW\��7XEHZRUP�LQYHVWLJDWLRQSubject & unit Biology - Unit 1Location Marine Education LaboratorySession Outline An incredibly diverse community of animals can be found living amongst and
with a colony of native tube worms. This community is investigated in thelaboratory to “test” the ecological concept of pyramids of numbers and providesstudents with the opportunity to strengthen their understanding of food webs andenergy transfer.
6H[�LQ�WKH�6HDSubject & unit Biology - Unit 2Location Marine Education laboratorySession Outline Students will investigate the reproductive methods of a diverse range of marine
animals and plants, including some bizarre reproductive methods that alloworganisms to cope with their living conditions. There will be opportunities forstudents to collect gametes from some organisms and to investigate both sexualand asexual reproductive methods.
)LVK�'LVVHFWLRQSubject & unit Biology - Unit 1 & 2Location Marine Education LaboratorySession Outline Students will compare the body structure, gut contents, internal organs and
specialised structures of a number of different fish species. The informationcollected by students throughout their dissection will provide insights into fishhabitat, food chains, adaptations and reproductive strategies.
31
VCE
0DULQH�$QLPDO�DQG�3ODQW�$GDSWDWLRQVSubject & unit Biology - Unit 2Location Marine Education LaboratorySession Outline Students will closely investigate a variety of structure-function relationships in
living marine animals and plants.
3ODQNWRQ�6WXG\Subject & unit Biology - Units 1 & 2Location Marine Education LaboratorySession Outline Students will use microscopes to sort and identify a range of live phytoplankton
and zooplankton collected from Port Phillip Bay. This study will focus onclassification, adaptations and the importance of plankton in marine food chains.
0DULQH�(QYLURQPHQW���FXUUHQW�LVVXHVSubject & unit Biology - Units 1, Environmental Science - Units 1,2 & 3, Outdoor Education -
Units 1,2,3 & 4, Geography - Units1 & 3Location Marine Education Laboratory or ClassroomSession outline This role play activity allows students to examine some of the current issues
affecting the marine environment. Students will also be introduced to thediversity of marine life that exists in our local waters and the current issuessurrounding the use of these resources.
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For Tertiary Students
The Marine Discovery Centre offers a range of programs and activities for tertiary studentswho are undertaking a range of different courses and subjects including:
• Natural resource management• Fisheries management• Marine invertebrate classification• Outdoor education• Education• Interpretation
Examples of programs that can be undertaken by tertiary students at the Marine DiscoveryCentre include:
• Fish dissections• Marine animal and plant classification and identification (in the laboratory or in the field)• Snorkelling and outdoor adventure activities• Marine Biology Boat Cruises• Mud Island Adventures• Environmental interpretation activities
Special programs can also be tailored to suit your needs. Please call the Marine Discovery Centre and ask tospeak to one of our education officers who will help you design a program for your students.
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Adventure activities for all groups
Getting your students in, on, and around the water is an exciting way to introduce them to Victoria’sincredibly diverse marine life. All adventure activities include a visit to the Marine Discovery Centre at noadditional cost.
6QRUNHOOLQJ�IRU�6FKRROVProgram outline The Marine Discovery Centre is well known for its safe and exciting
snorkelling program. All snorkels are conducted by our MarineEducation Officers who are fully qualified snorkelling instructors. Oursnorkelling program will assist your students to become competentsnorkellers while providing a memorable educational experience. Duringtheir snorkel, students will be able to closely observe a variety of marineanimals and plants in their natural habitats.
Key Learning Areas Science, Studies of Society & the Environment, Health and PhysicalEducation from Level 5 upwards.
VCE Subject area Outdoor Education, Biology and Environmental StudiesShore snorkel locations Point Lonsdale Marine Reserve
Ozone Paddlesteamer shipwreckQueenscliff Pier and seagrass bedsSwan Bay Marine Reserve
Boat snorkel locations Popes Eye Marine ReserveSouth Channel FortSwan Island SubmarinePort Phillip Bay Seal colonyNepean Bay Marine ReservePortsea Pier
Further information Our snorkelling program runs during Terms 1 and 4.Masks, snorkels, fins, and wetsuits are included.The length of these programs varies depending on the sites chosen.
Prices for snorkel programs are available on application.
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Adventure activities for all groups
6ZDQ�%D\�&DQRH�([SORUHUVKey Learning Areas Health and Physical Education, Science, Studies of Society & the
Environment from Level 5 upwards.VCE Subject Areas Biology, Outdoor Education, Environmental StudiesProgram duration 2 hoursProgram Outline Swan Bay Marine Reserve is the ideal place for students to learn the
basics of canoeing. This activity involves using canoes to access one ofthis region’s most important fish nurseries and an internationallysignificant wader bird habitat. Students will use a variety of samplingequipment to find out about what lives in the Bay. Students will alsofocus on impacts on the Bay of the surrounding catchment. Awonderfully peaceful way to explore this unique environment.
2FHDQRJUDSKHU�IRU�D�GD\Key Learning Area ScienceVCE Subject areas Biology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Physics or GeographyLocation Port Phillip Bay boat tripProgram duration 4 hoursProgram outline Oceanography is the science of studying the oceans. In this boat trip
students will use many of the techniques used by oceanographers toinvestigate the physical, chemical and biological aspects of Port PhillipBay. This full day program will include:• An introduction to oceanography at the Marine Discovery Centre• A boat trip to use our oceanographic equipment• A laboratory session to analyse the data and samples collected
during the boat trip.
Students will gain experience in the following techniques:• Water sampling at depth• Measurement of currents and flow rates• Plankton survey techniques• Bottom sediment sampling• Navigation and positioning• Benthic life sampling
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Adventure activities for all groups
2WKHU�RXWGRRU�HGXFDWLRQ�SURJUDPV�
In addition to the program listed above we can arrange the following adventure activities in the local areawith other qualified and reputable providers. Please contact us for more details on options available:
• SCUBA diving• Sailing• Wind surfing• Camping• Fishing• Sea kayaking• Surfing
:RUOGZLGH�DGYHQWXUHV�
MAFRI’s education and training activities extend to many other parts of the world. Exciting programs forstudents and teachers are conducted in exotic settings - such as Vanuatu, the location for our Coral ReefDiscovery program.
By taking the best educational elements of our Queenscliff-based activities and placing them in an idyllicsetting, we can now offer exciting programs in new locations. These programs enhance and develop a widerange of understandings of the marine environment in its broadest sense, as well as the skills necessary toappreciate it in full.
We will arrange everything from ticketing and visa arrangements to accommodation and meals and leave youto enjoy the excursion along with your group.
Contact the Marine Discovery Centre for details on MAFRI’s overseas study tours, tropical snorkellingcamps and training workshops.
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Special Camp Programs
Many schools choose to make the most of their time in Queenscliff by combining a number of our activitieson a camp. The wide range of activities available allows students to combine marine studies with outdooreducation with creative arts with anything else you would like!
Camp programs typically run for 3-5 days and can include any or all of the following:
• snorkelling activities• snorkelling certificate training (National Association of Underwater Instructors)• surfing• SCUBA try-dives• seal & dolphin spotting• marine biology cruises• oceanography boat trips• sand sculpture and beach activities• sailing• canoeing adventures• marine craft activities
- as well as any of the other activities and sessions offered by the Marine Discovery Centre.
A range of quality accommodation centres around Queenscliff means that groups of all sizes can be cateredfor. We are happy to assist in finding accommodation and meals "packages" to suit the needs of your group.
Call one of our Education Officers to discuss options for your group!
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Professional Development Programs
The Marine Discovery Centre provides a comprehensive range of opportunities for ProfessionalDevelopment across all Key Learning Areas and VCE Subjects.Whole-school PD days can be conducted on request and lunches can be arranged for visiting teacher groupsif requested.
Selected Marine Discovery Centre PD courses are expected to meet unit requirements of the GraduateCertificate of Professional Development Examples of Professional Development programs conducted at theCentre include:• Coast Care for Educators• Snorkelling proficiency for in-water supervisors• Integrating the Marine Environment into the School Curriculum• Science and technology in the Sea• Oceanographer for a day• Outdoor education in the marine environment• Laboratory techniques focussing on the marine environment• Links between freshwater and marine habitats.
Please telephone the Centre on (03) 5258 3344 for further details about our professional developmentprograms.
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Resource Kits
2FWRSXV¶V�*DUGHQ�(DUO\�&KLOGKRRG�.LWThe Octopus’s Garden is a resource kit available for loan by early childhood centres and Primary schools inVictoria. The kit has been produced by the Marine Discovery Centre to assist young children in discoveringthe wonders of the marine environment. The kits contain a resource guide, posters, marine animal specimensand artefacts, puppets, puzzles, books, music and songs on tape, model animals and beachwashed objects.The kit must be booked through the Marine Discovery Centre.Loan period 3 weeksLoan fee $15.00 plus $8.00 for return postage of the kit.
%HDFKFRPELQJ�.LWThe Beachcombing kit is a resource available for loan by Primary and Secondary schools in Victoria. The kithas been produced by the Marine Discovery Centre with assistance from Coast Action/Coastcare to assiststudents in discovering the wonders of the marine environment. The kits contain a resource guide, posters,marine animal specimens, artefacts and beachwashed objects. The kits provide artefacts and activities thatwill assist in gaining an understanding of classification, diversity, foodchains, habitats and adaptations. Thekit must be booked through the Marine Discovery Centre.Loan period 3 weeksLoan fee $15.00 plus $8.00 for return postage of the kit.
Information Requests
The Marine Discovery Centre can provide information to students about marine animals and plants, marineconservation issues and fisheries resources in the marine environment. Please allow up to 2 weeks forprocessing of information requests.How to receive information from the Marine Discovery Centre:
Write Send a stamped self-addressed envelope and a letter outlining your informationrequest to us:
Marine Discovery CentrePO Box 114Queenscliff 3225
Surf the Net Visit our homepage at: http://www.nre.vic.gov.au/mafri/discoveryInformation and topics are updated regularly – you might just find what you arelooking for. We also have links from ourhome page to other marine and conservation sites.
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Work Experience Program
The Marine Discovery Centre Work Experience program aims to give students a first hand look into the workperformed by marine educators and marine biologists.
Duties that students undertake are varied and can include aquarium and laboratory maintenance, scientificstudies, collection of animals and plants, administration duties and assistance of education officers duringclassroom sessions and field trips.
There is a large demand to participate in the work experience program. Students must apply in writing andinclude the dates that they are available. Our work experience program does not operate during June, July orAugust. Please contact our work experience coordinator for more information.
Freshwater Discovery Centre
The Marine and Freshwater Resources Institute also operates the Freshwater Discovery Centre, a short tripup the Goulbourn Valley Highway. Located at Snobs Creek, south of Eildon, our beautiful mountain settingis the perfect place to investigate the unusual and fascinating inhabitants of our inland waters.
Hands-on activities have all been designed by teachers to support all levels of school curricula andspecifically assist in achieving learning outcomes in a variety of Key Learning Areas.
The Centre’s VCE support program allows students to strengthen their understanding of key concepts inbiology, geography, environmental science and outdoor education, providing assistance with meeting workrequirements.
Schools facilities at the Centre include a student laboratory, classroom, aquarium and education resourceshop. Ample bus parking and picnic areas are available on site.
Call our Education Officer on (03) 5774 2950 for further information.
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Supporting marine education
The continued operation of the Marine Discovery Centre would not be possible without the support of thefollowing organisations:
• The Department of Education• Fisheries Victoria• Friends of the Marine Discovery Centre• Our sponsors and volunteers• Our many school visitors
We thank you for your generous support.
The Marine Discovery Centre also wishes to acknowledge the generous support of Esso Australia Ltd.
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