Two students smile as one points into the air

VCE Psychology Unit 1-4

Year levels

VCE

Cost

See Plan Your Visit 

Availability

Monday to Friday (during school term)

Explore science-related ethical issues and conduct a scientific investigation related to animal welfare at Zoos Victoria.

Program description

VCE Psychology Units 1-4 Key Science Skills

In this program, students will apply ethical understanding to science-related issues and conduct a fieldwork investigation related to animal welfare, while developing a range of key science skills, including data collection, analysis and scientific communication.

Students will learn:

  • An introduction or consolidation of Key Science Skills required for scientific investigations
  • Ways to understand and apply ethical guidelines and consider which ethical concepts relate to contemporary issues at the Zoo
  • How to analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative data and recognise patterns, limitations, and make recommendations 
  • Engage in critical and creative thinking while considering contemporary issues and solving problems

Program sequence

Before your visit

Connect   

Use the activities in the Teaching Guide (below) to spark students’ curiosity before their zoo visit. 

During your visit

Connect and Understand 

Students take on the role of Zoos Victoria’s Animal Ethics Committee to debate a current ethical dilemma. Students plan and research an investigation question, formulate a hypothesis, collect and record and analyse qualitative and quantitative data in an observational study with the support of a Zoo Teacher.  Students will have the opportunity to present their findings in school-assessed coursework in class.  

Your zoo visit will include a Zoo Teacher workshop (85 minutes), fieldwork and observation opportunities and keeper talks. Check out your Teaching Guide for other ideas on what to do at the zoo.  

After your visit

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 map and itineraries

Your booking confirmation email will list your group's education workshop time/s. Digital maps will be provided to you on the day.

Program resources

Learning outcomes

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) – Psychology

Units 1–4: Key science skills

Formulate hypotheses and make predictions 

  • Students will make predictions and identify variables  

Plan and conduct investigations 

  • Students will work individually and collaboratively to consider methodology, errors, and uncertainty relevant to this fieldwork 

Comply with safety and ethical guidelines 

  • Students demonstrate ethical conduct and understand the importance of safety in scientific investigations  

 Generate, collate and record data 

  • Students record primary data of a sample population using qualitative and quantitative data collection and have access to secondary data for comparison 

 Analyse and evaluate data and investigation methods  

  • Students consider the quality of data, evaluate investigation methods and consider concepts such as error and uncertainty 

Construct evidence-based arguments and draw conclusions 

  • Students evaluate the data, make conclusions and recommendations, consider limitations and implications 

Analyse, evaluate and communicate scientific ideas 

  • Students discuss relevant psychological information using the correct terminology and will have the opportunity to present information back at school in school-assessed coursework 

Plan your excursion 

This program 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 now

You 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