Online Incursions: Habitat Gardens for Healthy Urban Biodiversity

Program Summary

Location: Online
Excursion Duration: 45 mins
Year Level: Grade 3-8
Group Size: 20-50
Cost: $220 $110 for up to 50 students (currently 50% off!)
Availability: See booking form
Program Themes: biodiversity, urban biodiversity, habitat, gardening, wildlife, animals, design

Program Overview

Insects, birds, mammals and other animals living in our city rely on parks and reserves to find food, take shelter and breed. The decline of such natural landscapes in urban areas, along with climate change, is a serious threat to our local biodiversity. 

We can help improve the overall health of our urban biodiversity and contribute to climate adaptations by creating a habitat garden at our homes, schools or nature strips. Such gardens will not only support biodiversity, but will bring in beauty, enjoyment and nature connection into our community.

Key Concepts & Questions

Natural habitats in our cities are declining and contributing to the loss of biodiversity. Learn about the role of habitat gardens and how it can improve the health of urban biodiversity. 

•    What are the key elements and design features of a habitat garden?
•    What purpose do plants provide to animals in a habitat garden?
•    What species are likely to live in a habitat garden?

Learning Outcomes

•    3-4 Different living things have different life cycles and depend on each other and the environment to survive (VCSSU058)
•    3-4 Critique needs or opportunities for designing and explore and test a variety of materials, components, tools and equipment and the techniques needed to create designed solutions (VCDSCD028)
•    5-6 The growth and survival of living things are affected by the physical conditions of their environment (VCSSU075)
•    5-6 Critique needs or opportunities for designing, and investigate materials, components, tools, equipment and processes to achieve intended designed solutions (VCDSCD038)

Program Outline

In this session, students view a short video to explore:
•    Two established habitat gardens at suburban homes and their design features
•    Habitat structures that mimic a natural landscape (groundcover, grass, shrubs, climbers and canopy) 
•    What role plants play in supporting biodiversity (shelter, food, breeding)
•    Other physical features such as water, sun, shade and protection
•    The type of animals that may live in a habitat garden

This will be followed by a Q&A session with an EcoCentre educator. Students will also be introduced to follow-up activities including: 1) investigating your local habitat at home, school, or nearby parks; 2) planting a native seed, and 3) making a concept drawing (design) of a habitat garden.

Logistics