Year 6 students from Ryde, Gladesville, Ermington and North Ryde public schools will take part in 2028 A Climate Change Odyssey – a workshop/public hypothetical at Taronga Zoo (August 18-19).
A Department of Education Science Week event, partnered by Ryde Council, the Field of Mars Education Centre and Taronga Zoo, A Climate Change Oddssey, will focus on what a future world may look like due to the effects of climate change.
City of Ryde Sustainability Programs Coordinator, Sarah Kinsela, said: “Local students are keenly interested in the environment and our local biodiversity and already take part in several Council-run environmental projects such as Streamwatch.
“This excursion will add to their understanding of the effects that climate change could have on local species and what actions individuals and groups can take to help prevent these changes.”
Prior to the excursion, Field of Mars Education staff will visit the schools to conduct a preliminary workshop on climate change and its likely impacts. Students will then join in a climate change activity trail around Taronga Zoo, including a visit to the Zoo’s sustainable house and special encounters with a Powerful Owl and the Leopard Seals.
Day two of the Climate Change Odyssey will give students the chance to take part in a high-profile public hypothetical with leading researcher Professor Nick Klomp and panellists including ABC Science broadcaster Bernie Hobbs, Taronga Zoo Conservation Scientist Rebecca Spindler, Origin Energy Carbon Markets Manager Petrea Brad and Tripe J Newsreader Meredith Griffiths.
Using laptops and smartboards throughout the activities, the students will create ‘fact sheets’ on animals that will then be posted online on a Moodle (web based learning tool) for others to view and blog back at school.
A final report by the students will be presented to the community at a future event.
Media contact: Lee Kirkland 9952 8083
