In our innovative Ecosystems program, students will become head under the water to develop a unique perspective of the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems. Exploring Victoria’s incredible marine biodiversity, students investigate how different biotic and abiotic interactions, such as predator/prey relationships, support ecosystem function, identify the role of marine mammals and top order predators, and demonstrate how anthropogenic impacts can impact marine ecosystems. We highlight the importance of marine protected areas, and identify how we can support resilient and healthy ecosystems. In a practical activity built directly from MMF sighting data and publications, students will explore MMF’s Burrunan dolphin sighting data to create distribution maps, and apply their knowledge to explore the ecosystem drivers within a marine environment.

This program provides assessment opportunities for students, with all assessment data provided to teachers upon completion of the practical activity.

*This program is suited for Level 5-6, Level 7-8, Level 9-10

*This program is suitable for delivery as :

• Classroom incursion

• Online webinar

Through participation in this program, students will:

Develop a greater understanding of local natural marine environments.
Develop a strong understanding of ecosystem function and interactions.
Use, interpret and analyse data to draw conclusions within a biological context.
Identify biotic, abiotic, and anthropogenic impacts and drivers of distribution in natural environments.
Understand the role of marine protected areas, and how evidence-based decision-making can support and maintain ecosystem function.
Using evidence, communicate and share ideas and findings using scientific language.

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MMF’s Ecosystems program is a classroom incursion delivered as an interactive lecture-style presentation with hands-on practical activity. Following an approx. 30-minute introductory presentation, students will be tasked with completing a practical activity where they will collate dolphin distribution data to map and identify drivers of dolphin distribution. Students will work collaboratively to complete the practical activity, and once completed a closing consolidation will allow students to share findings and demonstrate knowledge.

All incursion materials and resources will be provided by MMF. A practical assessment activity is included in this program.

This incursion can be delivered in a classroom or presentation. MMF requires an interactive SmartBoard or project/screen to deliver this incursion.

MMF can tailor program content to meet your curriculum learning needs, so please speak with an MMF Educator if you require specific content development.

For further information, please see the MMF Policies page.