Many young people dream about being marine scientists and conservationists ‘when they grow up’, and through our Marine Science Inquiry Unit, we are proud to provide that opportunity for students across the world!

Our Marine Science Inquiry Unit is a dedicated and considered sequence of learning specifically designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills and experience of bringing real marine mammal research into the classroom. Across four incursion programs, students will be introduced to the marine mammal diversity of Victoria, and follow in the footsteps of Dr Kate to explore the classification of dolphin species and discover the Burrunan dolphin. Becoming dolphin researchers, students will develop skills in dolphin fin identification, and discover how MMF uses this industry-standard methodology to understand the Burrunan dolphin population. Through using Burrunan dolphin sighting data, students will identify drivers of distribution, areas of significance, and explore how evidence-based decision making can be used to inform the effective conservation and protection of marine environments. Finally, students will identify the role they play in the conservation of local and marine environments, identifying how to mitigate issues such as litter, plastic and marine debris in our local communities.

Through participation in our Marine Science Inquiry Unit, we equip students with the skills, knowledge and confidence to become the leaders and change-makers of the future!

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

*This program is suitable for delivery as:

Classroom incursion

Online webinar

Excursion activity

At the completion of the inquiry unit, students will:

Develop a strong understanding of marine environments and the marine mammals who inhabit them,
Understand the importance of the scientific method, including the use of data collection
Develop the skills to collect, interpret and respond to scientific data to make conclusions and implications,
Express and communicate thoughts and points of view on research findings,
Identify how research and data can be used to inform evidence-based decision making,
Use critical and creative thinking to identify conservation and sustainability issues which affect them and their environment.

View Curriculum Links

Download Program PDF

MMF’s Marine Science Inquiry Unit is series of four classroom incursions delivered as an interactive lecture-style presentation with hands-on practical activity. In each session, following an approx. 30-minute introductory presentation, students will be tasked with completing a practical activity where they will collect and interpret data related to the program topic. Students will work collaboratively to complete the practical activity, and once completed a closing consolidation will allow students to share findings and demonstrate knowledge.

Assessment is included in each program, with all assessment results provided at the conclusion of the session.

Additional excursion activities can be included with this program at extra cost.

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

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

For further information, please see the MMF Policies page.