Discovering Wetlands in Australia A Primary classroom resource All images in this publication are copyright of the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (and associated photographers) unless noted below: Front cover: Green turtle on the Great Barrier Reef, QLD (Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority) Bar-tailed godwits on a Cairns beach, QLD (Brian Furby Collection) Giant burrowing frog (Steve Wilson)
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2 CONTENTS
Introduction Why teach your class about wetlands? 4 Using this resource 4
Background information Wetland types 5 Ramsar Convention 5 World Wetlands Day 5 Curriculum links 6
Class activities Activity One - What is a wetland? 7 Activity Two - Water and wetlands 7 Activity Three - Types of wetlands 8 Activity Four - Wetlands and forests 9 Activity Five - Indigenous values and perspectives of wetlands 10 Activity Six - What is a Ramsar site? 11
Appendices Appendix One – Teachers’ glossary 12 Appendix Two – Students’ glossary 16 Appendix Three – Teachers’ information on alpine wetlands 17 Appendix Four– Teachers’ information on arid wetlands 18 Appendix Five – Teachers’ information on coastal and marine wetlands 19 Appendix Six – Teachers’ information on estuarine wetlands 21 Appendix Seven – Teachers’ information on inland riverine wetlands 22 Appendix Eight – Teaching online resources 24 Appendix Nine – Paper animals 25 Appendix Ten – Wetland education centres 26
333 INTRODUCTION
Why teach your class about This unit is one way your students can be involved wetlands? in thinking about the role of wetlands, their importance and why we should all hold some Wetlands are everywhere in Australia, from the responsibility in their conservation. man-made ponds of your suburb, and the rivers Studies of wetlands can be incorporated into a in central Australia that only see water every range of curriculum areas, including Science, few years. We often pass them unnoticed and Geography, English and the Arts. without a thought to the important jobs they perform each day. Using this resource The term ‘wetlands’ encompasses a vast The information and activities outlined in this range of water based areas including swamps, resource will assist classes to: marshes, billabongs, lakes, salt marshes, investigate Australia’s wetlands gain an understanding of the diversity of wetland peatlands. ecosystems in Australia Wetlands are an important part of the Australian broaden teachers’ and students’ understanding of wetlands and their importance to the breeding sites for hundreds of Australian animals Australian environment and recreational centres for many communities. learn about the Ramsar Convention and They protect our shores from wave action, internationally important wetlands in Australia, and and improve water quality. They provide habitat for animals and plants and many contain a wide demonstrate understanding of Australia’s diversity of life, supporting plants and animals wetlands and the ability to share and that are found nowhere else in the world. communicate this information to an intended audience. Wetlands are vital habitats for international migration by birds, demonstrating how habitats around the world are connected. Because of their unique ability to trap sediments to a cleansing ‘kidney’ within the river systems. They are essential for sustaining healthy rivers, on which communities throughout Australia depend. All Australians rely on water and the quality of our waterways to sustain life. Whether it’s water for our households, industries or ecosystems, wetlands play a central role and their conservation should be a priority for all Australians.
4 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Wetland Types establish nature reserves on wetlands and promote wetland training, and There are many different types of wetlands in Australia and also many ways to group wetlands. To consult with other member countries about the provide a small sample of their diversity, we have implementation of the Ramsar Convention. ! " unit. These are: # R % alpine wetlands of International Importance, Cobourg Peninsula, in arid wetlands the Northern Territory in 1974. Australia currently has 64 Ramsar sites which cover approximately coastal and marine wetlands 8.1 million hectares. This includes iconic places estuaries, and such as Kakadu National Park and the Coorong. inland riverine wetlands Appendix Eight provides a list of internet resources A fact sheet on each ecosystem is included as a for further information on wetlands and available starting point to support student research into these teaching resources that include wetland modules. wetland ecosystems types. Further information Two key internet resources for background on these wetland ecosystems is also available at information on Australia’s Ramsar sites and the Appendix Three – Appendix Seven. Ramsar Convention are: www.environment.gov.au/wetlands Ramsar Convention www.ramsar.org The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance holds the unique distinction of being World Wetlands Day World Wetlands Day marks the anniversary of conserving natural resources. The signing of the the signing of the Ramsar Convention. World Convention on Wetlands took place in 1971 at % &