From classrooms to coral — school students and teachers can now experience what it is like to be a marine biologist on one of the most amazing natural places on Earth, the Great Barrier Reef.
Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley said new Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority education resources will support teachers in planning and delivering breathtaking reef excursions with marine tourism operators along the Great Barrier Reef.
She said the teaching activities were based on real-life reef health survey methodology used by the Reef Authority’s own scientists and partners.
“This is a fantastic initiative by the Reef Authority that supports science-based learning, builds awareness about the reef and supports a marine tourism industry that has been hit hard by the global pandemic,” Ms Ley said.
“The resources start with foundational activities in the classroom, culminating in action research activities out at the reef and extension activities back in the classroom.”
Federal Leichhardt MP and Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef Warren Entsch said the program would greatly benefit students around the region, both now and into the future.
“The resources can be customised and support both teachers and marine tourism operators to deliver exceptional reef education experiences and memories that will last a lifetime,” Mr Entsch said.
“These students are the next generation of reef custodians. We hope to increase their understanding of the Reef and inspire a love for environmental science.”
The education materials are curriculum-linked and aligned with specific stages of learning, enabling students of all ages to get involved whether they visit the reef or learn from their classroom.
Students will develop core scientific observation survey skills, develop citizen science skills, and make tangible connections between what they see on the reef and how they can help protect it.
The ‘Be a Marine Biologist for a Day’ education resources include a range of PowerPoint presentations, activity books and assessment materials for schools and a toolkit for marine tourism operators to build their capacity, all of which can be downloaded free at www.gbrmpa.gov.au/the-reef/learn-about-the-reef/be-a-marine-biologist-for-a-day/_nocache
