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WESTERN PORT SHOREBIRDS

EDUCATION KIT FOR CHILDREN

GRADES 5 & 6

		Introduction	Contents & Downloads
The purpose of this education kit is to guide teachers and their students through a fun and informative journey into the world of Western Port shorebirds. This kit has been specifically designed for primary schools located in the Western Port area. Please note that prior knowledge on the topics covered in this kit is neither required nor expected of teachers or their students. This education kit provides teachers with all the information and materials they need to undertake a successful educational program on Western Port shorebirds. Additional references are supplied in the kit, but it is not expected of teachers to undertake further research into the topics, unless desired. This kit is innovative in that it not only focuses on the plight of the shorebird species but also includes good news stories with regards to shorebird conservation. Provision of good news as well as bad news is important because both concern and hope insight action. The following section consists of a series of sub-headings. Each sub-heading explains a fundamental facet of the education kit.
	Education level
The content and activities included in this education kit are suitable for primary school children at a grade 5 and 6 level (Level 4).
	Teaching aims
To educate students on the shorebird species that lives in the wetlands of Western Port, including their current plight and need for protection. Education is important because it improves local-community awareness of the issue which then insights action to protect the shorebirds and their habitat.
	Importance of education program
By taking part in this education program, teachers and their students are making a valuable contribution to the broader action plan to protect the Western Port wetlands and shorebirds species.
	Topics covered
There are 4 interrelating topics covered in this kit. The topics are divided into 4 sections, section A, B, C and D. Topic A provides an introduction into the Western Port area. Topic B focuses on shorebirds. Topic C centers on the wetland habitat of shorebirds. Topic D focuses on the conservation of shorebirds and wetlands. Throughout each section a number of words are underlined. Definitions of these underlined words are provided in a glossary located at the end of each section.
	Structure of kit
Sections A-D contain the teacher’s information on each of the topics. Section E contains the recommended activities that students can undertake to enhance their understanding of the topics. The appendix section lists the references utilised in the formation of this kit and outlines additional resources that teachers can use if desired.
	The activity section
This section contains recommended activities that can be undertaken by students to facilitate effective learning on each of the topics. Activity sheets can be photocopied as required for handouts and there are plenty of ideas for interesting ways to incorporate the content into various programs for students. Included in this section is an ‘activity checklist table’ the purpose of this table is to keep track of the activities that the class has completed.
	Power Point Presentation
Sections A to D of this education kit contain a number of pictures. All of these pictures have been put in the Power Point Presentation. This will bring to life the different topics covered for the students. The table below outlines the Power Point slides that relate to each section.
Section		Slide
Section A		2 to 5
Section B		6 to 9
Section C		10 to 12
Section D		13 to 15



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			Contents & Downloads

	The following download files are also available on CD from BOCA Eduction. Place your order by email to our Education department - a postage and handling charge applies.

	Introduction			Download PDF (218.79 kB)
		Power-Point presentation outline
	Power Point Presentation			Download (1.93 MB)

	Section A: Western Port			Download PDF (217.6 kB)
		Note to Teachers Location of Western Port Description of Western Port Changes in the use of Western Port’s natural environment Negative human impacts at Western Port Ecological importance of Western Port Other shorebird habitat sites in Australia Summary Glossary Recommended activities
	Section B: Shorebirds			Download PDF (276.82 kB)
		Note to Teachers Introduction to shorebirds Categories of shorebirds Western Port shorebirds Habitat of shorebirds Shorebird feeding Identifying shorebirds Shorebird migration Shorebird migration patterns Summary Glossary Recommended activities
	Section C: Wetlands			Download PDF (150.8 kB)
		Note to Teachers Introduction to wetlands Western Port wetlands Importance of wetlands in Australia Importance of wetlands to shorebirds Environmental status of wetlands Protecting wetlands in Australia Summary Glossary Recommended activities
	Section D: Conservation status of Western Port shorebirds
Download PDF (238.95 kB)
		Note to Teachers Conservation status of Western Port shorebirds Threats to Western Port shorebirds Efforts to protect Western Port shorebirds Good News Stories What can you and your students do to help? Summary Glossary Recommended activities
	Section E: Activities			Download PDF (196.44 kB)
		Outline of activities Activity checklist table Activity sheets
	Appendix			Download PDF (126.16 kB)
		References Additional resources

Links to other items in Education

Parrots on Parade

Revealing Raptors

Teaching Resources