Engaging Students in Environmental Science Using Australia’s Unique Landscape

Australia is home to some of the world’s most distinctive flora and fauna, many of which are unique to the region. Approximately 85% of flowering plants, 84% of mammals, over 45% of birds are endemic to Australia. Understanding these ecosystems helps students appreciate the importance of biodiversity and the need to protect it.

Significant environmental challenges, such as climate change, bushfires, and coral reef degradation pose a major threat. By learning about environmental science, students can contribute to developing solutions and promote sustainable living practices.

Environmental science education also supports interdisciplinary learning, linking biology, chemistry, geography, and social sciences, enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It prepares students for future careers in environmental management, conservation, and sustainability. These fields are becoming increasingly important as global environmental concerns escalate.

Follow our ideas for using Australia’s unique landscape to engage students in environmental science.

Engage With the Environment Through Art

From the iconic Great Barrier Reef to the vast Outback, Australia offers a range of contrasting landscapes. Alpine snowfields and tropical rainforests further contribute to the continent’s beauty and diversity.

Science and the arts are often considered as distinct fields, but art can provide a pathway to help students engage with the environment and develop an interest in science. Australian landscape painters such as Eugene von Guérard, Arthur Streeton and Lucy Culliton offer unique perspectives that can raise awareness about environmental issues.

Connect Through Cultural Awareness

Indigenous Australians have acted as custodians of the land for tens of thousands of years. Their appreciation of the unique features of the landscape is reflected in dreamtime legends, such as the Pitjandjara tribe’s story about the creation of Uluru.

Aboriginal people also developed sophisticated land care methods, such as cultural burning, to improve the land and minimise damage from bushfires. Exploring Indigenous stories and land care practices can enrich students’ understanding of the Australian landscape and inspire them to learn more.

Plan Outdoor Learning Opportunities

Parents and educators can create immersive learning experiences by taking students on field trips to different regions. For instance, a visit to the Great Barrier Reef can introduce students to marine biology and the importance of coral conservation. Exploring the Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest rainforests in the world, can highlight biodiversity and the role of rainforests in the global ecosystem.

These hands-on experiences can help students understand the complexity and interconnectedness of various ecosystems. For those with limited access to diverse natural environments, virtual reality (VR) technology can transport students to various Australian landscapes, such as the Outback, the Great Barrier Reef, or the forests of Tasmania.

Explore Real-World Applications

Students are far more likely to be motivated by science when they can see its real-world applications. Australia’s unique ecosystems and biodiversity face major challenges due to climate change. Fortunately, there are multiple strategies and sustainability plans in place to help lessen the impact of increasing temperatures and rising sea levels.

The Threatened Species Strategy 2021-31 outlines steps to protect Australia’s endangered plants and animals by focusing on resilience and adaptation. The Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan focuses on reducing environmental pressures to optimise the Great Barrier Reef’s health to help it adapt to climate change. Learning about these plans can help students understand the importance of environmental science and may inspire them to choose a career in STEM.

Participate in Volunteer Projects

Learning about sustainability plans is important, but nothing can beat active participation. Becoming involved in citizen science projects can provide students with a sense of purpose and real-world application of their studies.

Australia has numerous volunteer science initiatives, such as the Atlas of Living Australia, where students can contribute by recording sightings of local wildlife. Projects like these not only engage students but also teach them valuable research skills and the importance of data in scientific inquiry.

Our Tutors Can Help You Excel in Environmental Science

Tutor Doctor’s tutors are fully qualified and can assist with science subjects at all levels, including environmental science.

We will ensure your student understands the basic scientific principles and give them a solid foundation for learning to build on.

Our success stems from our recognition that all students learn differently. We use a sophisticated matching system to pair students with the best tutor for them and develop a customised plan for each child.