Side view of two students as they look to the right through lookout binoculars

Self-guided - Climate Watch

Year levels

Year 7, Year 8, Foundation, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6, Year 9, VCE, Year 10, VCE Vocational Major, Tertiary

Cost

See Plan Your Visit 

Availability

Monday to Friday (during school term)

Calling on citizen scientists of all ages. Help us reduce the threats facing wildlife through climate change.

Program description

Explore our grassland and wetland trails to monitor species that are indicators of climate change. This is a collaboration with ClimateWatch on collecting citizen science data with the use of a mobile app.

Scientists gather data about how plants and animals are influenced by seasonal and inter-annual variations to determine the impacts of climate change on species. You can help, too. Grab your boots, a species guide and recording sheet and let’s get started.

Students will learn:

  • Observation and scientific skills
  • An understanding of recording data
  • To Explore grassland and wetland habitats

Program sequence

Before your visit

Use the activities in the Teaching Guide (below) to spark students’ before their zoo visit.

During your visit

Connect and Understand

This self-guided tour allows you explore Werribee Open Range Zoo’s grassland and wetland habitats at your own pace. Located adjacent to the Werribee River, this thriving ecosystem supports a wide range of flora and fauna. As you go, use the recording sheet when you spot one of the Climate Watch species. Werribee Open range Zoo will use this data to gain a clearer picture of the effects of climate change on our sensitive habitats.

Your zoo visit will include:  Following the Climate Watch (Self-Guided) Trail (1hour), the Safari Bus Tour (40 minutes) and keeper talks. Check out your Teaching Guide for other ideas of what to do at the zoo.

After your visit

Understand

Use activities in the Teaching Guide to deepen students’ learning back at school.

Act

Use the Teaching Guide to enable students to master their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts.

Program resources

Plan your excursion 

This program is an outdoor all-weather program; the students will need appropriate clothing for weather conditions. This could include a raincoat, hat and sun protection.

School groups will enter Werribee Open Range Zoo via the Main Entrance. Organising teachers please check in with our Admissions team upon arrival. More information.

Book your education experience

Fill out an online form to request a booking for your zoo education experience

Request zoo excursion

You will need to know the following to book your zoo excursion or online workshop:

  • Education program of your choice (if applicable)
  • Preferred date
  • School name and address
  • Contact details of organising teacher
  • Number of students/classes and their year level