Future educators from the University of the Sunshine Coast joined us recently to experience the Moreton Bay Studies program, stepping into the shoes of both learners and teachers. These aspiring Outdoor and Environmental Education and Marine Science pre-service teachers were immersed in a day that showcased the power of connecting students with place through hands-on, inquiry-based learning.
The program offered a unique dual perspective. On one hand, participants explored the bay as students - embracing curiosity, engaging with fieldwork and developing critical thinking. On the other, they examined the experience as future teachers - observing how planning, safety, curriculum alignment, and supportive engagement create meaningful learning opportunities in the field. This layered approach helped them see how high-quality teaching transforms outdoor and environmental education into lifelong learning.
Throughout the day, the group engaged with authentic survey techniques, experimented with scientific equipment, and reflected on methodologies that underpin marine and biological science. Guided by Moreton Bay EEC's Approach to Pedagogy, they also analysed how the day's activities aligned with a rich and authentic student learning journey.
For these pre-service teachers, the experience was more than a day on the bay - it was an opportunity to witness how environmental education inspires stewardship and responsibility for the places we live, learn, and teach. By investing in the teachers of tomorrow, we are ensuring future generations of young people continue to connect meaningfully with Moreton Bay and beyond.