Ethics and Conservation (Self-Guided)
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 resources
Learning outcomes
Victorian Curriculum 3-10
Year 3-4 - Explore the contested meaning of concepts including fairness and harm and how they can seem to differ in different situations (VCECU004)
- Students will explore a case study focussing on seals through the substantive question: Is it fair that we treat seals differently than people?
Year 5-6 - Examine the contested meaning of concepts including truth and happiness and the extent to which these concepts are and should be valued (VCECU009)
- Students will explore a case study focussing on Orangutans through the substantive question: Do all animals have the right to be happy?
Year 7-8 - Explore the contested meaning of concepts including freedom, justice, and rights and responsibilities, and the extent they are and should be valued by different individuals and groups (VCECU014)
- Students will explore a case study focussing on one of our zoo animals through the substantive question: Is it better to be free than safe?
Year 9-10 - Investigate how different factors involved in ethical decision-making can be managed by people and groups (VCECD023)
- Students will be provided with an ethical decision-making framework and real zoo issue to explore the community of inquiry question: Should zoos exist in the 21st Century?
Plan your excursion
Ethics and Conservation (Self-Guided) is an outdoor all-weather program; the students will need appropriate clothing for weather conditions. This could include a raincoat, hat and sun protection.
School groups will enter Melbourne Zoo via the Rail Gate entrance. Organising teachers please check in with our Admissions team upon arrival. More Information.
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