VCE Biology Unit 2: Conservation through Reproductive Biology
From genes to stem cells to pedigree charts, discover how to save critically endangered animals using reproductive biology, tools and technologies.
Program description
Meet the Reproductive Biologists helping to save Victoria’s most threatened species from extinction and explore VCE Biology Unit 2 concepts demonstrating how stem cells are essential for growth, development and reproduction in this insightful student conference.
Students will learn:
- From experts in reproductive Biology
- Fundamental concepts in reproduction biology including stem cells, differentiation, genes, and patterns of inheritance and how they can be applied to tackle a real-world conservation issue
- Why an understanding of sexual reproduction, growth and development, and inheriting genotypes and phenotypes are crucial in fighting extinction
- The science-based techniques for captive breeding of critically endangered animals
Program sequence
Connect
View the following video’s about Zoos Victoria to spark students’ curiosity before their zoo visit
Connect and Understand
Students will hear from reproduction biologists to uncover how they are using concepts in the VCE curriculum to save species from extinction
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
Coming soon
Learning outcomes
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) – Biology
Area of Study 1: How does reproduction maintain the continuity of life?
- Hear a conservation through reproduction case study about one of Zoo Victoria’s Fighting Extinction species from Zoo scientist. Students will hear about and carry out activities that illustrate the concepts of cell cycle, sexual reproduction, cell growth and differentiation and their importance to conservation strategies.
Area of Study 2: How is inheritance explained?
- Students will engage in activities that illustrate the concepts of genomes, genes and alleles, chromosomes, genotypes and phenotypes, pedigree charts, genetic cross outcomes and genetic decision-making and how they are important to conservation strategies.
Area of Study 3: Investigation of an issue
- Students will hear three case studies that highlight conservation through reproduction. Students will use this learning to consider how genetics and conservation are important for conservation and their ethical implications.
Plan your excursion
VCE Biology Unit 2: Conservation through Reproductive Biology 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.
All onsite excursion bookings are subject to coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions and as such are subject to change in line with the Victorian Chief Health Officer’s advice. We will be in contact with all teachers prior to their booked date if we need to clarify any new requirements.