School and Community citizen science project

Skul na Komuniti Save Projek

STUDENT LEARNING ACTIVITY

PASS GOALS:

Educators and students build leadership skills and use student-centred and project-based learning approaches to improve educational outcomes
Educators in nominated secondary schools deliver an enhanced STEM curriculum
Positive understanding and relationships between PNG and Australia

target Groups:

PNG secondary school teachers, especially science teachers
Australian secondary school teachers, especially science teachers
PNG secondary school students – Years 9-11
Australian secondary school students – Years 9-11

DESCRIPTION:

Welcome to the Skul na Komuniti Save Projek, which means ‘School and Community Citizen Science Project’ in English. Students will participate in a global bird conservation project that will develop their STEM knowledge and skills. They will conduct science investigations that involve action research and data collection. They will use technology and mathematics to analyse and represent their data. Students will then focus on an environmental issue affecting birds in their local area and increase their community’s understanding. Designed and delivered by Port Moresby Nature Park and Zoos Victoria, this PASS Student Learning Activity will use the Connect-Understand-Act teaching framework and the eBird citizen science platform to engage your students in real-world STEM education.

LEAD:

School and Community Citizen Science Project is designed and delivered by Zoos Victoria and Port Moresby Nature Park.

Zoos Victoria is a world-leading zoo-based conservation organisation, dedicated to fighting wildlife extinction. Their three zoos are Healesville Sanctuary, Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo. Each one provides a unique and immersive experience that attracts visitors from around the world.

Their zoos inspire animal lovers of all ages. And by strengthening the connection between people and wildlife, they hope to protect the future of animals and their homes. Their important work includes breeding and recovery programs; they've built partnerships with local communities, fellow conservationists, and like-minded organisations — close to home and in far-flung corners of the world.

Port Moresby Nature Park’s vision is to be PNG’s leading recreational space inspiring through education the guardianship of PNG’s unique natural environment. Their mission is to connect people and nature through:

RECREATION
Provide international standard spaces that provide a safe and fun setting for immersive nature-based experiences
EDUCATION
Connect people to wildlife through the natural environment & cultural connections to provide understanding and inspire actions for wildlife conservation and sustainability outcomes
CONSERVATION
Actively support and participate in conservation and research programs that protects PNG's wildlife

PROGRAM DETAILS:

School and Community Citizen Science Project is an online activity in PNG and Australia, including:

Self-paced student workbooks, teacher guides (including suggested answers)
One online teacher workshop. This workshop will walk teachers through each step of the project so that they feel confident and ready to teach their students.
Two student online workshops over a two-week period, including:
- Workshop 1 – students will be introduced to the project and meet some of the STEM role models that work in bird conservation
- Workshop 2 – students will check-in by sharing what they have done so far and asking any questions that will help them continue their studies
Video presentation submission presenting students findings about birds
Ongoing check-ins and support
Resources and materials created as part of this collaborative activity

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

Group access to computers at school
Internet connectivity with data
Access to Google Platforms, WhatsApp and email
Access to project materials, online or printed

EXPECTED LEARNING Areas & OUTCOMES:

LEARNING AREAS

Technology
Science
Maths

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Critical thinking
Creativity
Ethical understanding
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Capability
Intercultural understanding
Literacy
Numeracy

CAPABILITIES

PNG STEM CURRICULUM

Mathematics

- Lower Secondary Syllabus – Year 9:
  - 9.3.1 Represent, interpret, analyse and solve problems using discrete and continuous data
  - 9.3.3 Communicate mathematical processes and results both orally and in writing
  - 9.3.4 Undertake investigations individually and cooperatively in which mathematics can be applied to solve problems
- Lower Secondary Syllabus – Year 10:
  - 10.2.3 communicate mathematical processes and results in writing
  - 10.2.4 undertake investigations individually in which mathematics can be applied to solve problems
- Upper Secondary Syllabus – Year 11:
  - 11.3 demonstrate the application of statistical knowledge and probability to communicate, justify, predict and critically analyse findings and draw conclusions

Science and Biology

Lower Secondary Syllabus – Year 9-10:
- Science As Inquiry – 9.1.1/10.1.1 Students will be able to explain the nature and the processes of scientific inquiry and use the modes of scientific inquiry and habits of mind to investigate and interpret the world around them
- Life Science – 9.2.2/10.2.2 Examine and make sense of the development, characteristics, processes, and interactions of living things and the natural environment
Upper Secondary Syllabus – Year 11:
- 11.1.1.1 Identify and formulate questions that can be answered through scientific investigation
- 11.1.1.4 Design and conduct appropriate types of scientific investigations to answer different questions
- 11.2.1.5 Explain why diversity is important to maintaining viable ecosystem

STEM Biology – Bridging Course

Upper Secondary Syllabus – Year 11:
- 11.6.2 Identify the different terrestrial ecosystems and factors influencing adaptation of living things
- 11.6.4 Identify the interrelationships between organisms and know their positions within the food web and pyramid

AUSTRALIAN CURRICULUM

Digital Technologies

Year 9 and 10: Develop techniques for acquiring, storing and validating quantitative and qualitative data from a range of sources, considering privacy and security requirements.

Mathematics

Year 9: Identify everyday questions and issues involving at least one numerical and at least one categorical variable, and collect data directly and from secondary sources. Year 10: Investigate and describe bivariate numerical data where the independent variable is time.

Science

Year 9: Ecosystems consist of communities of interdependent organisms and abiotic components of the environment; matter and energy flow through these systems, Scientific understanding, including models and theories, is contestable and is refined over time through a process of review by the scientific community, Plan, select and use appropriate investigation types, including field work and laboratory experimentation, to collect reliable data, Select and use appropriate equipment, including digital technologies, to collect and record data systematically and accurately, Communicate scientific ideas and information for a particular purpose, including constructing evidence-based arguments and using appropriate scientific language, conventions and representations.
Year 10: Formulate questions or hypotheses that can be investigated scientifically, Plan, select and use appropriate investigation types, including field work and laboratory experimentation, to collect reliable data, Select and use appropriate equipment, including digital technologies, to collect and record data systematically and accurately and Communicate scientific ideas and information for a particular purpose, including constructing evidence-based arguments and using appropriate scientific language, conventions and representations.

Highlights Video

Take a look at the gallery of School and Community Citizen Science submissions here or find instructions on how to take part below.

MATERIALS

The following materials are provided for School and Community Citizen Science Project:

Teacher Guide – This teaching guide contains step-by-step instructions for your lessons. You will find activities, videos, and other resources that you can use.

Teaching Guide_School and Community Citizen Science Project.pdf

Teaching Guide

Student Workbook – Use the Student Workbook to guide students through the activities and deepen their learning. It can be printed out or completed digitally.

Student Workbook_School and Community Citizen Science Project.pdf

Student Workbook