Self-guided - Ethics Trail
Explore, examine and investigate the contested meanings of fairness, happiness and freedom through the lens of the animals who live at the zoo.
Program description
Melbourne Zoo has partnered with the Victorian Association for Philosophy in Schools (VAPS) to develop a self-guided trail for teachers and students to explore. Activities support Ethical Capability and Science curriculum for Years 3-10. Determine the duration of the excursion, based on the time that you have. Guide your students’ observations, discussions and learning at your own pace both at the Zoo and in your classroom.
Students will learn:
- How to contribute to a philosophical Community of Inquiry
- How to explore the contested meaning of concept of fairness (Year 3-4)
- How to examine the contested meaning of concept of happiness (Year 5-6)
- How to explore the contested meaning the concepts of freedom and harm (Year 7-8)
- How to examine an ethical problem and explore different modes of philosophical thought to develop their viewpoint (Year 9-10)
Program sequence
Connect
Use the activities in the Teaching Guide (below) to spark student’s curiosity before their zoo visit and to conduct and practice Community of Inquiry.
Connect and Understand
Explore the specifically designed case studies and develop students’ ability to contribute to a philosophical Community of Inquiry. It will challenge them to develop and refine their understanding of the contested meaning of concepts for their relevant level of the Victorian Curriculum.
You will focus on real Melbourne Zoo examples. The Teaching Guide and Workbook will provide you with background knowledge and step-by-step instructions. The case study and discussion is designed to take approximately 1 hour, leaving your 2-3 hours to explore the Zoo and apply student thinking in different contexts.
Understand
Use activities in the Teaching Guide to deepen students’ learning back at school.
Act
Use the Teaching Guide to enable students to master their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts.
Program maps and itineraries
Your booking confirmation email will list your group's education workshop/s and safari bus tour time. Each workshop time has its own map and daily itinerary. Paper maps will be provided to you on the day.
Program resources
VCE teaching guides are password protected. You will receive the password via email before your excursion. You can also request the password upon booking.
Book your education experience
Fill out an online form to request a booking for your zoo education experience
Request booking nowYou will need to know the following to book your zoo excursion or online workshop:
- Education program of your choice (if applicable)
- Preferred date
- School name and address
- Contact details of organising teacher
- Number of students/classes and their year level