BEST

Y8 Ricketts Point Excursion

On Monday 2/12 and Wed 4/12 all Year 8 Learning Teams participated in an excursion to Ricketts Point as part of the BEST program.  On the day we were based at Beaumaris Life Saving Club and students were involved in a range of programs to experience and learn about Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary.  This unique local environment has been a focus for the students over the last two years and this was not only an opportunity to continue this learning, but to also to connect many of these experiences.  With strong westerly winds and poor weather we were unable to participate in the intended snorkelling program.  Although this was disappointing, we were lucky that students were able to still participate in some amazing Marine Science programs.

• Reef Restoration – Our snorkelling provider (Dive2U) was able to run an excellent program on reef restoration.  Students learnt about importance and threats to Victoria’s shellfish reefs and to the coral reefs found on the Great Barrier Reef.  Following this students were involved in a hands on activity where they designed and built a section of artificial reef using the processes that are used in the projects to restore these reefs. 
• Marine Debris - The Marine Mammal Foundation shared the work that they do and discussed the impact of Marine Debris on the marine ecosystem.  Students completed an audit of Marine Debris, where they categorised the litter that they collected on a beach clean earlier in the day. 
• Scavenger Hunt – Students participated in the ‘Ultimate Beach Combing Scavenger Hunt’ where they gained points for finding a range of organisms and beach debris.  One of the highlights and bonus point winners was the 5 million year fossil Echinoid (Heart Urchin).
• Lunch at Ricketts Pt Teahouse – Not so much Marine Science, but a great place to share lunch with the students at Ricketts Point!