VCE Psychology Unit 1-4
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
Connect
Use the activities in the Teaching Guide (below) to spark students’ curiosity before their zoo 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.
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
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
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 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