Suitable for Years 7-10

Bring the whole school, multiple classes or year levels to an exciting day of discovery immersed in nature. Discovery days are an engaging, flexible and budget friendly way to involve larger groups, multiple classes or multiple year levels and immerse them in an exciting day of aquatic discovery at a location close to you. 

Three groups of students (up to 90 students in total) will rotate between three different activities of your choice.  The learning activities are focused on encouraging students to explore and appreciate their natural surroundings in a positive and fun learning environment.  

Choose three of the following activities:

1)     Animal encounter (your choice of reptiles or raptors) - Get up close to some of our unique native mammals and learn about their special adaptations to the Australian environment *

2)    Animal evidence - Australian animals can be illusive and you won’t always see them in the wild, but they leave their “evidence” behind. Using real world evidence and keys, students will unlock clues to determine a range of ecosystem dwellers.

3)     Bird's Eye view - using binoculars and surveying techniques, students discover the waterbirds that live in and visit our stunning regional parks

4)     Regional Park Walk - Enjoy a guided walk through the Regional Park, focusing on key plant species, signs of animal activity and relationships between living inhabitants.

5)     Catchment Model - Learn about catchment land uses with our three-dimensional, hands-on, interactive catchment model. Discover how pollutants get into our rivers and the impacts these have on the plants and animals that call the river home. 

6)    Macroinvertebrates – Students get the opportunity to sample and record the amazing and diverse macroinvertebrate communities that live in our wetlands. Use a dichotomous key to identify the various species found, to see if the river is supporting a diverse range. Why could this be? 

7)    Water Testing – using scientific equipment, test both sides of the weir* (or river/lake and tap water) and compare temperature, PH, salinity, turbidity, nutrients and dissolved oxygen levels. Look at Australian Standards, how to our levels compare and what can influence them.

 8)   Site Survey & Field Sketch – Record observations and sketch the site using geographical field sketch techniques. Score the overall site and discuss actions to improve it.

*Available at CREEC only

Locations: 

• Yellagonga Regional Park (Neil Hawkins Park), Joondalup
• Canning River Eco Education Centre, (Kent St Weir) Wilson 
• Point Walter, Bicton

Duration: 4 hours inclusive of morning tea and lunch breaks. Groups arrive at 10 am then have 15-20 minutes for morning tea, activities commence after morning tea. Finish times can be adjusted to your needs.

COST: $1260 (inc. GST), max 90 students (with NO animal encounter) 

 $2415 (inc. GST), max 90 students (including. animal encounter) 

Contact one of our team for advice or tips to create a suitable mix of activities suitable for your students' needs, learning styles and learning objectives. 

  Please note:

1. Maximum students per group is 30. Multiple groups can be accommodated (up to 90 students).
2. Our booking officer will get back to you via email to confirm your excursion including cost per student within 7 working days.

If you have any questions regarding this activity, please email us at n2n@dbca.wa.gov.au. You need to submit and online enquiry form for any program, no bookings will be taken via email or phone.