VCE Biology Unit 2
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Investigate how animal adaptations and conservation science support survival in real ecosystems.
This VCE Biology Unit 2 program uses real-world conservation case studies to explore animal adaptations, ecosystem interactions and strategies used to support biodiversity. Students collect and analyse data to investigate how adaptations enable species to survive, while examining scientific approaches to conservation and the bioethical issues that arise in managing threatened species.
Students will learn
- Structural, behavioural and physiological adaptations that enhance species survival
- Interdependences between species within an ecosystem
- How to apply scientific observation and key science skills in a conservation context
- Scientific strategies used to conserve species, including associated bioethical issues
- How to conduct scientific investigations and collect data, which may be used as part of school-based assessment
Support for teachers
- Great day at the zoo - access to trails and scheduled keeper talks
- Teacher resources with classroom and excursion activities
- Pre-visit information to support planning and preparation
- Opportunity to celebrate learning and become a Fighting Extinction School
Choose your zoo experience
This program is delivered at Healesville Sanctuary, Kyabram Fauna Park, Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo, with each offering a different focus and experience.
VCE teaching guides are password protected, with access details sent to you before your excursion or upon booking. To ensure students get the most out of their zoo experience, please bring printed copies of the workbook.
Healesville Sanctuary
- Focus on investigating adaptations of Australian species through data collection and ethograms, and exploring bioethical considerations in captive breeding and wildlife conservation
- Introduction for groups arriving 9:45-10:00am
- Workshop (80 minutes)
- Spirits of the Sky experience (30 minutes)
Teaching guide
Workbook
Healesville Sanctuary map
Want to know more? Join an online Teacher Information Session.
Kyabram Fauna Park
- Focus on collecting qualitative field data to investigate adaptations, ecosystem interactions and bioethical considerations in the conservation of an Australian threatened species
- Introduction for groups
- Workshop (80 minutes)
Teaching guide
Workbook
Fauna Park map
Want to know more? Join an online Teacher Information Session.
Melbourne Zoo
- Focus on studying adaptations and bioethics through threatened species conservation, including a case study of the Southern Corroboree Frog and behavioural data collection in the Butterfly House
- Introduction for groups arriving 9:40-10:00am
- Workshop (80 minutes)
Werribee Open Range Zoo
- Focus on analysing African mammal adaptations, diet and dentition through skull and scat investigation, and exploring interdependencies and keystone species within an African food web (Africa)
or
- Focus on a Victorian grassland species case study, combining field investigation of adaptations with exploration of bioethical issues, Aboriginal cultural practices and genetic diversity (Australia)
- Introduction for groups arriving 9:45-10:00am
- Workshop (70 minutes)
- Safari Bus (40 minutes)
Teaching guide - Africa
Workbook - Africa
Teaching guide - Australia
Workbook - Australia
Werribee Open Range Zoo map
Itinerary for 10:10am workshop
Itinerary for 11:30am workshop
Planning your visit
The Plan Your Visit page has costings, risk assessments, payment information, travel details, sensory maps and social stories.
Your excursion will be outdoors. Please ask your students to dress for the weather.
Book your education experience
Use the online form to book your visit.
Make booking nowWhen you book, please include:
- Name of program
- Preferred date/s
- School name and address
- Contact details of organising teacher
- Number of students/classes and year level