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Zoos Victoria
Werribee Zoo is located within the Western Basalt Plains. This grassland ecosystem used to cover approximately one third of Victoria bounded by Melbourne to the east, Hamilton to the south, Beaufort to the North and Colac to the west. Now only 0.1% of these grasslands remain, making them one of the most threatened ecosystems within Australia.
Participants can gather data on the natural processes that formed the Western Volcanic Plains and the effects of the use and management of the region since human habitation through to present day. The wonders of grasslands are investigated through identification of biotic and abiotic factors and how they interact using techniques such as quadrant sampling.
Based on the information provided students are provided, with the opportunity to establish food webs and work out the puzzle as to why our grasslands have not been succeeded by woodlands. Students can discover what the Zoo is doing to conserve local and international grasslands species and take away some ideas for environmental action.
Students completing the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Biology Unit 1 and VCE Environmental Science Unit 1.
One hour.
AU$9.80.
Materials required for the workshop include hoops for quadrant surveys, vegetation identification tags, photocopying of student trails and teacher notes.
Strategies include fliers, "What we Have to Offer" packs, targeted VCE audience and website.
One Education Officer.
Nil.
- ‘Australia’s Most Threatened Ecosystems’ Kirkpatrick, McDougall and Hyde.
- ‘Plains Wandering’ Lunt, Barlow and Ross.
- ‘Native Plants of Melbourne and adjoining areas’ D & B Jones.
- ‘Grassland Plants of South Eastern Australia’ N & J Marriott.
This program relates directly to secondary school biology, specific to VCE Unit 1 and the learning outcomes required.
Victoria’s Open Range Zoo Discovery and Learning Department Ph: 03 9731 9600.
 Online Education Experiences
Onsite Education Experiences
Offsite Education Experiences
ARAZPA Education Policy
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