Students will learn all about their wild neighbours, meet amazing animals and learn all about their shelters and how they can help them survive in their own school grounds or backyards. The session is linked to What is Alive, Meeting Needs and The Need for Shelter and meets curriculum outcomes in HSIE, Science and Technology and the Sustainability Curriculum Framework.

Animals all over the world are being threatened with extinction. Here in Australia more than 100 species are listed as either endangered or threatened. But there is hope and your students can make a difference. Through this session students will meet some unique animals and explore how and why some creatures are being threatened and the ways they can help at school and in their own homes. This session meets curriculum outcomes in HSIE, Science and Technology and is based on the Sustainability Curriculum Framework.

Modern zoos are involved in conservation, education, research and recreation. Exhibits built today now simulate an animal's natural habitat and include behavioural enrichment opportunities. Students learn about the geographical and historical changes to Taronga Zoo and the Zoo’s role in conservation and education. The session meets curriculum outcomes in HSIE, Science and Technology and is based on the Sustainability Curriculum Framework. This session can also be a great session to stimulate debate and persuasive writing projects.

This preliminary Biology module is brought to life with live Australian animals. During the presentation, students will learn a brief history of the Australian continent, from its early position as part of the very large southern landmass, Gondwana, to its present global location. Further to this, students will learn about the following syllabus-related information:

The climatic changes that have occurred on the Australian continent in the last 50 million years. The effect these environmental changes had on the evolution of Australian animals, with particular reference to the evolution of kangaroos.

Examples of Australian animals which show variation within species and under what conditions these variations occurred.

Mechanisms employed by a selection of Australian fauna to ensure fertilisation and survival of the embryo and young after birth.

This HSC Biology module covers many biology concepts as well as covering much of the syllabus content of Maintaining a Balance. Students will see and study several animals in relation to temperature, CO2, water and salt regulation, but will also explore the issues that relate to endothermy and cell metabolism. Students will explore the extreme adaptations Australian animals display in response to living in the Australian conditions and have a chance to see these adaptations first-hand.

Throughout this Biology elective module, students will learn about many of the ways humans and animals communicate. A particular focus is placed on visual and auditory communication and the structure and function of the organs involved in a range of species. Live animals are used to show the organs used in communication, giving students the opportunity to experience this first-hand. We will explore the ability of different animals to produce and detect sounds in various ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum and explain why it is useful to communicate in various ranges.

Animals of the Dreaming links into the Aboriginal perspectives component of the curriculum. During the session students will be immersed in Aboriginal storytelling, creating an awareness and appreciation of Aboriginal culture and its links to the land and animals.

Animals of the Dreaming achieves curriculum outcomes from the Aboriginal Perspectives links, HSIE and Aboriginal Studies year 7-10 syllabus.