Out and about classrooms

Year 12 Environmental Science 

Visit to the Melbourne Water Wetlands Discovery Centre

Each year in Year 12 Environmental Science, we investigate one case study in depth using Earth systems thinking. The students assess the environmental impacts and risks associated with the case study, and examine the elements of environmental management and its relationship to sustainability principles.  This year we looked at the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) for the Edithvale and Bonbeach Level Crossing Removal Project and, as part of our research, visited the Melbourne Water Wetlands Discovery Centre. 

Here we learnt in depth about the Wetlands and how they are an internationally recognised RAMSAR site due to being an important summer feeding ground for migrating birds. We also learnt about the potential risks posed to the Wetland by the level crossing removal and groundwater monitoring that was done during the EES process and how it was used to modify the construction of Edithvale Station to prevent water pooling in the wetland, which can prevent small wading birds from feeding successfully. 

We also heard from Friends of Edithvale Seaford Wetlands member (and former MGSC alumni) Margaret about their involvement in the community and stakeholder engagement process that they were heavily involved in. Back at school, the class used the information gathered from the EES documents and the Wetlands excursion to write a mock submission on the EES from the point of view of a particular stakeholder. Many students chose to focus on the potential impacts of the migrating birds.

Here are some comments from the class on the excursion:

• I was surprised at how important the community’s say on things are, as they were against the skyrail so they trenched underneath instead, even though it was time consuming and had negative impacts on the environment. 
• Today I learnt that migratory birds rely on the Edithvale-Seaford wetlands and the wetlands are a Ramsar site. 
• I learnt the ways Melbourne Water help the environment by monitoring the wetlands.
• I learnt a lot of vital info about the wetlands and how the level crossing project could have a impact on them. It also really helped me with my sac. 
• I liked the cool composting toilets!
• The excursion was so fun and it gave me such a good background knowledge for the SAC.
• I learnt about the involvement of the Friends of Edithvale Wetlands, and their involvement in the management and conservation of the wetlands. I also learnt about the migration patterns of birds around the world, and eventually to the wetlands
• I learnt the Indigenous Australians' uses for plants, such as banksia and river red gums.
• I didn’t know that the wetlands were so important, I didn’t even know they existed. 
• The excursion was super informative, fun and I want to go back to the bird part!

Overall we all learnt a lot about the wetlands and the level crossing removal project from the excursion and I would like to thank Melbourne Water for letting us trial their bew program.

Ms Kerry Archer

Environmental Science Teacher