Biology

Year 10 Biology Zoo Excursion

On Thursday 4 May, the current year 10 Biology students embarked on an exciting journey to Melbourne Zoo to aid our studies of evolution. Accompanied by Mr Perree, Mr A. Lam, and Mr Chan, we took (too) many buses and trains to Parkville, thanks to the numerous train line disruptions. After an entertaining 2-hour journey, we arrived at Melbourne Zoo and were able to explore the grounds and get up close and personal with the most intriguing creatures. 

We visited the mesmerizing butterfly house, travelled through a typical Australian bush

 landscape, seeing kangaroos, wombats, and koalas, as well as giant tortoises, big cats, and small bugs, before observing all kinds of apes and monkeys, and revelled at the sheer size of the elephants and giraffes. 

Splitting into our two class groups, we took part in an evolution-based activity with the

 lovely Melbourne Zoo staff. We learnt more about natural selection, adaptations, environmental selection pressures, and the evolution of big cats. With the opportunity to examine the remnants of snow leopards, tigers, and lions, and the chance to play a fast-paced game exploring who could keep their tiger alive with different adaptations, we enjoyed the chance to further our knowledge of evolution.

The chance to explore Melbourne Zoo and learn more about evolution, natural selection, and adaptations greatly benefitted our learning and made for an extremely enjoyable evolution excursion for the year 10 Biology students.

Abbey Dixon

10B 

On Thursday 4 May, both year 10 Biology classes had the amazing opportunity to attend an excursion to the Melbourne Zoo. 

As part of our unit on the evolution of animals, students undertook an informative lesson

 with Zoo staff to understand the concept of evolution and apply this to fictional examples. Using the real-life hides of a tiger, lion and snow leopard, students learnt how animals adapt to their environment in order to survive. 

Students were then able to explore the Zoo on their own with their newfound knowledge of evolution and adaptations. Overall, the day ran smoothly, and students enjoyed being able to observe the animals and explore the Zoo.

Some student testimonials from the day:

 "The animals were animals!" - Patrick L, 2023.

"Interesting" – Benson Z, 2023.

Vanessa Nhoung

10D

Jordan Perree

Biology Teacher