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. 

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: Habitats
In habitat week we look at the diverse types of habitats we have here in Australia as well as
different animals that call them home. We adventure around the Sanctuary and spot a range of our wildlife residents, observing their varied habitats.
We then do an activity based on habitats, and each child will plan and start creating their own
habitat Diorama. A 7 week long project that runs for the entire term and has different elements added to it each week.

Week 2: 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. We also explore how some native plants are used as Bush foods and resources for people. We add plants and trees to the diorama projects, using natural resources such as sticks, leaves and plants.

Week 3: Reptiles and Amphibians
In our Reptile and Amphibian week, we 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. We add reptiles and amphibians to our Diorama projects, using pipe cleaners to create different Lizard, Snakes and Turtles.

Week 4: Birds
In week 4, we meet our Bird ambassadors here at the Sanctuary, and observe the similarities and differences between them. We compare parrots with raptors, carnivores with herbivores and different types of eggs ranging from an emu to a chicken!

Week 5: Mammals
In Mammal week we meet and learn about our mammalian residents. From Koalas to kangaroos and even sugar gliders, we look at classifying mammals and the difference between a marsupial and monotreme. We will do an activity based around what we have spotted and add Mammalian friends to our dioramas, crafted out of clay.

Week 6: Ecosystems & Environmental Conservation.
In our ecosystem week, we observe how everything is interconnected, and how animals and plants work together. We will explore the park and look at specific relationships between different animals and a range of plants. We do an activity around ecosystems and create a wildlife-based art piece. In our environmental conservation week, we will be looking at what conservation is, what endangered species are and why animals need protecting and conserving. We will meet some animal ambassadors in the Sanctuary, that are considered to be threatened or endangered species and also share some super simple things people can do around their backyards,
homes and communities to help out these animals. We will be working on a group mural based around conservation where everyone will have a chance to take part if they would like to.

Week 7: Famous Conservationists
In our last week of the program we look at famous conservationists including Jane Goodall, Steve Irwin and more, to see how they have dedicated their lives to conserving and protecting our wildlife and planet earth.
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.
Your child will have a chance to create and present their very own “keeper talk” to the class and also the term long Habitat Diorama project.