Home School Education Program- Term Two

Now Booking Term Two!
The Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary’s Home-school Program provides an opportunity for an immersive learning experience about Australia’s wildlife and how we can conserve it. The program covers a wide variety of topics over 7 weeks. 

Students step into the role as young conservationists in Term 2 of home school. Building on their learnings about wildlife habitats and ecosystems, they will be armed with a book at the beginning of the course which will become their field guide. It is here where they record all their new learnings and consider their role as a conservationist in teaching others about wildlife and our environment. Each week they will take a deep dive into the assigned topic along with their teacher and experts in the weeks subject!

Throughout the course, students will have to consider their final project, creating a Wildlife Zine which serves the role of educating others about a selected animal, the role it plays in our ecosystems and why it is important to the species survival. Their Zine might demonstrate that they are ‘Crazy for Koalas’ or ‘Why wombats are wonderful’. It will bring together many of their overall learnings throughout the Home School program and allow them to get creative!

All sessions are run by experienced conservationists and wildlife ambassadors who are highly trained in wildlife education. We are passionate about the conservation of Australian wildlife, landscapes and indigenous knowledge, our hands-on Home-school Program is indicative of this.

Week 1: Environmental Conservation
In the first week of term, we look at famous conservationists including Sir David Attenborough, Jane Goodall, Birutė Galdikas, Steve Irwin and more, to see how they have dedicated their lives to conserving and protecting our wildlife and planet earth.
Students will go behind the scenes to meet our very own dedicated keepers and vets in the Sanctuary and Wildlife Hospital and discover why they are passionate about wildlife conservation and why it’s so important!

Week 2: Ecosystems
Guest speakers: Tahlia (Zoologist/Animal Ecologist)
In our ecosystem week, we observe how everything is interconnected, and how animals and plants work together. Students will explore the park and look at specific relationships between different animals and a range of plants. Students record these relationships in their field guides to take back into the classroom and discuss.

Week 3: Mammals
Guest speakers: Tahlia (Zoologist/Animal Ecologist), Josh (Head Mammal Keeper)
In Mammal week, students meet Josh, our Head Mammal Keeper, and learn about the sanctuary’s mammalian residents. From Koalas to kangaroos and even sugar gliders, we look at classifying mammals and the difference between a marsupial and monotreme.
Students will learn the basics of what ‘Taxonomy’ is and how it is used to identify different animals. They will then put this knowledge into practice by drawing a variety of different mammals and describe/illustrate the key features that differentiate them.

Week 4: Reptiles and Amphibians
Guest speakers: Rachel (Head Reptile Keeper), Ellie or Josh T (Reptile Keepers)
In our Reptile and Amphibian week, students meet Rachael, our Head of Reptiles, and look at the range of reptiles and amphibians that are residents in our Sanctuary. We look at the unique traits of amphibians and reptiles and learn some basic ways that people can help provide a safe haven for reptiles and amphibians in their own backyards and communities.
Students will learn more about the basics of scientific illustration, utilising their field guides for drawing different scales or shapes of snake heads, frog legs or even turtle shells! Students will be guided in using scientific words to identify these parts and will discuss the differences between the four types of reptiles found in Australia.

Week 5: Birds
Guest speakers: Breianna (Head Bird Keeper)
In week 5, we meet our Bird ambassadors here at the Sanctuary, and observe the similarities and differences between them. Our head bird keeper Brei will talk to the students about bird behaviour and her role as a conservationist in teaching people about our native Australian birds. Students will then watch as Brei demonstrates what is involved with bird training here at the Sanctuary, and how she keeps them healthy and happy as captive animals.
Students will meet Jezzabelle, our female Red-tailed Black Cockatoo and will discuss what her role is as an ambassador for her species. Students will also explore sexual dimorphism and how some species appearance can vary based on their gender!

Week 6: Plants
In plant week we look at a range of different wildlife across our Sanctuary and discover how
plants are vital for animals to survive and thrive. We look at how Eucalyptus trees are highly unique, and how other native plants are used as homes and food for many native animals.
Students will explore how some native plants are used as bush foods and resources for people.

Week 7: Wildlife Zines and Graduation
In the final week we look at all the information that has been collated over the past 6 weeks to finalise the wildlife zines and the group project. Students have the opportunity to gather further information if they need to include in their Zine.