How to prepare students with questions/background understandings

1. Create a concept map to find out what the students already know about local animal habitats and what they would like to know.

2. Encourage students to construct a list of things they would like to know before they visit the zoo and engage in a discovery session.

On- Site Activities

1. Discovery Session
A 45 minute session with an Expert Zoo Educator who will introduce students to some animals with unique adaptations for their habitats.
Students are encouraged to explore our unique zoo learning spaces, to examine the threats to small animal habitats and inquire about ways to protect them.
Students will receive seeds to take away with them to help create native habitat back at school or home.
Please meet the Educator at the Discovery Centre by the set time.

A map of the zoo highlighting where to find the discovery centre can be downloaded here (pdf)

*Please note we recommend only 2 adults attend the Discovery session as having numerous adults can detract from the experience for the students.

Post Visit Activity

Big Buddies are encouraged to complete a wildlife and habitat assessment in their school grounds. The results of these assessments will determine the best use for their host plant species given to them by the zoo.

Students will inquire into the best use of their plants as either a single specimen in their backyards or planted as a group at school - how will they have a greater impact for animals and the environment?

You can download the Wildlife and Habitat Assessment sheet here (pdf)

You can also download the following species notes for our habitat plants here:
Callistemon species notes (pdf)

Melbourne zoo would love to share your classes' journey so please email the results of the habitat and wildlife assessments and any photos of school gardens you wish to share.

Email assessment results to Education Officer Yvette Finlay yfinlay@zoo.org.au

To assist you in assessing your students learning we have provided a Big Buddies Rubric (pdf)

		Wildlife and Habitat Audit Wildlife And Habitat Audit.pdf  ( 1 MB )
		Species notes- Callistemon Species notes - Callistemon.pdf  ( 1 MB )
		Assessment Rubric Big Buddies Rubric.pdf  ( 54 KB )
		VELS summary Big Buddies VELS Level 2.pdf  ( 78.7 KB )