Project Flying Fox is an environmental education program that involves students working scientifically and technologically to investigate a local endangered species, the Grey Headed Flying Fox, and design a solution to help conserve it. The species has declined by over 30% since 1989 and thousands have died recently from extreme heat events. The species is listed by the EPA as ‘vulnerable to extinction’ and protected under federal laws.
Students will learn about the species, including common myths and misconceptions, and design a solution (possibly using information and communication systems) to raise awareness about the species to help conserve them.
This program supports the Science and Technology Stage 3 Syllabus in the areas of Living World and the cross curriculum content of Sustainability and Information and communication technology
Program locations
Either,
Centennial Park Sydney. View the Project Flying Fox Google Excursion Map with approximate walking route, meeting location and pick up location.
or
EG Waterhouse Camellia Gardens Caringbah. Download the Camellia Gardens site map.
Key inquiry question
How can the Grey Headed Flying Fox be conserved?
Key syllabus outcomes
- plans and conducts scientific investigations to answer testable questions and collects and summarises data to communicate conclusions
- plans and uses materials tools and equipment to develop solutions for a need or opportunity
- examines how the environment effects survival and adaptions of living things
- describes the structural and behavioural features of some Australian native plants and animals and why they are considered to be adaptations.
Integrating the Sustainability and Information and Communication Cross Curriculum Priorities is a feature of the program.
Skills outcomes
- plan and apply the elements of scientific investigations to answer problems
- manage investigations effectively, individually and in groups
Student pre-visit and follow up activities
Successful excursions have direct links to current classroom learning. Pre-visit activities carried out prior to the excursion will help students better understand their excursion content and provide connectedness and relevance to classroom learning.
Read the student pre-visit information Project flying fox resources.
On the day activities
During the full day fieldwork excursion, students will:
- visit a Flying Fox colony with an expert at Centennial Park or Camellia Gardens and use binoculars to observe the species in-situ
- participate in a presentation with a real flying fox to observe features and adaptations of the species
- complete artwork based on preserved flying fox species
- participate in a hands-on activity to help improve habitat for Grey Headed Flying Foxes.
Cost
- Government Schools: $15 per student (GST Free)
- Non-Government Schools: $25 per student (GST free). Minimum cost of $600.