Are you teaching a unit on river health this year? The Murray-Darling Basin Authority has a free interactive program – Basin Champions 2015 - designed for students from years 3 through to year 10.
The goal of the program is for students to learn about
- The rivers of the Murray-Darling Basin
- Human impacts on the natural environment
- Working collaboratively with peers
- How to investigate river health
- Effective communication strategies.
Basin Champions combines videoconferencing with an in-class investigation in which students look at the health of a river or creek near their school. Through the Basin Champions, students can learn about the importance of healthy rivers for communities, the economy, and the precious environments of the Basin.
The program runs in terms 2 and 3, with a final video-conference in term 4. To celebrate World Water Day, the program will kick off with a live-streamed video-conference on 23 March. Schools that register early will be invited to take part in this special event.
The time you allocate to the program is flexible, you can join the program throughout terms 2 and 3, and your class can complete the program in as little as one (very busy) wekk or as long as the two terms.
Teachers will receive a pack containing lesson plans, worksheets and basic water testing equipment as well as technical guidance and phone and email assistance as needed.
The program is provided free as a partnership program between the Murray-Darling Basin Authority and classroom teachers. The Murray-Darling Basin Authority is a funding partner of the National Youth Science Forum, and also hosts lab visits for students during the NYSF January sessions and Next Step programs.
Further information is available by emailing education@mdba.gov.au, and you can register online at basinchampions2015.eventbrite.com.au.