ISSUE 4 MARCH 2003
Ear to the Ground Landcare Education Newsletter
Welcome to the first 2003 edition of Ear to the Ground, the Midlands Education District Landcare Education Newsletter. Ear to the Ground will provide you with information about up-coming events and issues in landcare and landcare education. I have recently replaced Michael Moran and Michael Burke as the new Landcare Education Officer based at the Midlands District Education Office in Northam. My role is to ensure the development of statewide landcare education initiatives, and in particular, to enhance cross-curriculum links. Please pass this newsletter on to any teachers in the learning areas of Society and Environment, Science, or any staff member interested in the environment and environmental education. Looking forward to working with you all! Patricia Janssen
In this issue… v 2003 Landcare Education Field Study Courses v 2003 International Year of Freshwater v World Environment Day Awards v Landcare can be Cross-curricular v Have you got a copy of Landcare in your Hands? v Professional Development v Hands on for Habitat Awards 2003 v Resources v Landcare Links v Dates to remember v Landcare. In your hands Questionnaire	Professional development Field Study courses are offered to teachers and community leaders seeking knowledge and skills to incorporate in class studies and field activities. Participants are provided with resources and strategies that compliment Curriculum Framework and Student Outcomes, while addressing a range of environmental issues. Courses are residential with accommodation, catering and field transport provided for a cost of $77.00.Course dates for 2003 are May 15-17, May 29-31, June 12-14, June 26-28, July 31-Aug 2, August 14-16 and September 11-13. One day teacher relief is provided. For further information contact Patricia Janssen, Landcare Education Officer at the Midlands District Education Office.

2003 is the International Year of Freshwater and it is now time to recognise the importance of water resources throughout Australia – both surface water and groundwater. At a time when we see the issue of water high on the media’s agenda as Australians come to terms with drought conditions in many regions, it is important to understand the value of this asset and focus on ways in which to rehabilitate and conserve our natural water resources. A range of resources is available through various programs and organizations, and if you are interested in finding out more please contact the Landcare Education Officer. To find out what activities are planned around Australia to celebrate the International Year of Freshwater check out www.unesco.org/water/iyfw2/ This year the United Nations World Environment Day Awards focus on the theme “Think global – act local.” The awards offer recognition for individuals and organisations who have implemented programs that are working towards protecting or restoring the world’s natural heritage through the protection and improvement of the natural environment. To nominate your school, group or community check out the categories and download a registration form at http://www.unaavictoria.com.au

Who ever said that landcare education was specific to Science, and Society and the Environment??? It’s not! The subject of natural resource management has scope well beyond these 2 learning areas. Landcare education has seen a shift in dynamics to become incorporated in many different learning areas – from maths and english to art, and design and technology. If you would like any help with planning to incorporate landcare education into your teaching program, please contact the Landcare Education Officer. Have you got a copy of “Landcare. In your Hands” (Science and Social Studies) is a resource to help students learn about landcare and become more aware of the environment upon which we all depend. The 2 books focus on Science and Society and the Environment and provide a range of land conservation activities for secondary students. These resources are about to be updated to incorporate a wider range of learning areas and become more cross-curricular. If you have a copy of this resource I welcome your feedback on the attached survey form. I also welcome any suggestions for changes to and improvements to the existing material, as well as suggestions for new activities.

v Beaches, Bays and Biodiversity: An Exploration of Garden Island. Sunday 5 April 2003. For further information contact Lyndsay Toner, Greening Australia WA on 9355 8933 or e-mail ltonner@gawa.org.au v STAWA Professional Growth Program – for teachers of Science. For workshops and PD sessions contact STAWA on 9244 1987 or check out www.stawa.asn.au v Whiteman Wallaby Environmental Education Programs. Contact Whiteman Park on 9249 2446. v Yanchep National Park provides a range of cultural and environmental educational activities. For enquiries phone 9561 1004 or e-mail yanchep@calm.wa.gov.au A great opportunity for primary students to learn about Australia’s flora and fauna, then threats they face and actions they can take to help protect and conserve our native biodiversity. Sponsored by the Natural Heritage Trust and Cadbury Yowie, this competition offers some great prizes including an environmental makeover for your school. For a free resource kit containing entry form, classroom activities, fact sheets, posters and CD-Rom call 1800 803 772.

River reflections An activity pack put together by Waterwatch Victoria, which allows students to explore the past, future and present of their local waterways. A set of 3 posters accompanied by teacher’s notes that is designed to stimulate classroom discussion about water resources. Addresses specific Level 4 learning outcomes in art, English, science and society and the environment. For further information contact Waterwatch Victoria on (03) 9412 4072 Best Practice Manual for School Landcare Programs Provides a simple approach to getting started in landcare projects. The manual provides a guide to planning and implementing practical natural resource management projects. Available free from www.landcareaustralia.com/.au/ (Go to Regional Landcare then SA [either subheading]. Scroll to manual and click in find out more) The Water Kit Celebrating the International Year of Freshwater,3 individual kits provide resources for Primary students with an emphasis on freshwater. Activities allow students to investigate water conservation and degradation, the water cycle and ecosystems. Available (for $34.95 each) from Wooldridges Educational Superstore. To purchase contact Wooldridges on 9443 0999 or email sales@wooldridges.com.au.

The Australian Natural Resources Atlas A web-based atlas prepared by the national Land and Water Resources Audit, providing access to information about Australia’s natural resources including water, land, people, rangelands, agriculture, biodiversity, and vegetation and coasts. http://www.nlwra.gov.au/atlas CSIRO Biodiversity Program A website providing fact sheets relating to biodiversity as well as links to education programs such as the Double Helix Science Club, Scientriffic and Totally Wild. http://www.biodiversity.csiro.au/ Avon Catchment Council Information Network Providing access to natural resource management information including current issues and projects, contacts and library resources. It also includes information on up-coming events within the Avon region. http://avonicm.org.au/ EMS Navigator A website enabling users to search a database of current Environmental Management Systems related activities and agencies across the country. http://www.affa.gov.au/emsnavigator Australian Association for Environmental education A nation-wide association with an aim to foster education towards a sustainable future. http://www.olt.qut.edu.au/udf/aaee/

v 31 March Entries close for 15^th Annual Banksia Environmental Foundation Awards v 6-10 April OzWater Convention and exhibition (Perth) v 22 April Earth Day v 28 April – 1 May National Landcare Conference (Darwin) v 12-25 May Ribbons of Blue/Waterwatch WA annual Saltwatch event v 13 May Entries close for World Environment Day Awards v 22 May International Day for Biological Diversity – Mountain Biodiversity v 23-25 May CONSTAWA 24 – STAWA’s State Conference for all with an interest in science education (Muresk, Northam) v 5 June World Environment Day v 17 June World Day to combat Desertification and Drought v 25 July National tree Day (Schools) For further information contact… Patricia Janssen Landcare Education Officer Midlands Education District Office PO Box 394 Northam WA 6401 Phone: (08) 9622 0200 Fax: (08) 9622 3996 E-mail: Patricia.Janssen@det.wa.edu.au

Landcare. In Your Hands

If you use this publication could you please help!!

Landcare - In Your Hands is an education package of land conservation activities for secondary science and society and environment subjects. The package was a joint initiative between Agriculture WA, the then Ministry of Education (Department of Education WA), National Soil Conservation Program and Alcoa of Australia, that was published in 1991.

Since the publication of Landcare In Your Hands there have been significant changes in the curriculum and the learning/teaching ethos. Consequently, Landcare In Your Hands requires some updating to align it with the Curriculum Framework. To assist with the upgrade of this publication could you please complete the following survey and return it to:

Patricia Janssen, Landcare Education Officer

Midlands Education District Office

PO Box 394

NORTHAM WA 6401

Ph: (08) 9622 0200

Fax: (08) 9622 3996

E-mail: Patricia.Janssen@det.wa.edu.au

Landcare. In Your Hands – Survey

Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________________

School: ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Teaching Area: ______________________________________________________________________________________

Is there a copy of Landcare In Your Hands in your Department/School? ڤ Yes ڤ No

Do you use Landcare In Your Hands in your learning/teaching program? ڤ Yes ڤ No

If not, why not? _____________________________________________________________________________________

If you answered yes to the previous question could you please answer the following questions:

What subjects/topics do you use Landcare In Your Hands in, as part of the teaching/learning program?

List the six activities from Landcare In Your Hands that you use most frequently in your teaching (please include page number):

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

What topics/activities (or types of) would you like to see in an updated Landcare In Your Hands?

What activities from Landcare In Your Hands are the least beneficial to your teaching/learning program?

Do you have any further suggestions for Landcare In Your Hands?

Thank you for your assistance!