Year 3 and 4 - Mangroves and the environment V9

​​​​​In this immersive program, students take on the role of Junior Ecologists to explore the vital role mangrove forests play in supporting life in the marine environment and protecting the coastline. Through hands-o​n investigations, they examine lifecycles, feeding relationships, and the ways living things depend on one another for survival.

The students are introduced to the importance of mangroves through pre-program resources to spark questions about the value of mangroves for humans, wildlife, and the wider environment. On program day they board Inspiration, our research vessel, to investigate life out in Moreton Bay (Quandamooka​). A plankton trawl is conducted in real time to collect samples for exploration, investigating lifecycles and feeding relationships in marine ecosystems.

The students then explore the mangrove habitat where they identify mangrove species, learn about their lifecycles and the adaptations that help them survive in challenging environments. On their exploration they observe the diversity of organisms that live among the mangroves and the interdependent relationships that link plants and animals in these ecosystems.

By the end of the day, students will have developed a deeper understanding of how mangroves contribute to ecosystem health, biodiversity and sustainability. 

Curriculum Intent