Science Educational Resource Centres
This section contains links to centres that provide a range of resources for schools. Many provide for the traditional school excursion; however some will provide activities held at your school (incursion).
School Excursion programs
Aquatic Environment Education Centre at Wonga Wetlands (http://www.wongawetlands.nsw.gov.au) - a unique 'living laboratory', where community groups and school students can visit and take part in 'hands on' programs, exploring the rich floodplain environment. The Aquatic Environment Education Centre web site provides information on field work, laboratory work, individual school programs for all levels and lectures and tours.
Ecolinc (http://www.ecolinc.vic.edu.au/index.php) - a science and technology innovation centre located in Bacchus Marsh, provides innovative programs for P-12 students. Programs focus on sustainable environmental development practices. The web site lists details about its projects and programs, including booking information.
Gene Technology Access Centre (GTAC) (http://www.gtac.edu.au/site/home.html) - provides a wide range of programs in molecular and cell biology to enrich student learning, with particular reference to DNA science and applications in biotechnology. This web site contains online resources and information for teachers, booking information, and program details.
Marine Discovery Centre (http://www.mccn.org.au/?q=projects) - an educational facility that includes a visitor's aquarium, student laboratory, classroom, a resource room and educational gift shop. The Centre offers an extensive range of biological and environmental science programs.
Melbourne Aquarium (http://www.melbourneaquarium.com.au) - offers education programs for primary through to senior secondary level students, comprehensive teacher resources, student interactive activities and the opportunity for secondary students to undertake work experience. The web site provides details of their education programs, teacher and student resources, interactive activities and current exhibits.
Museum Victoria (http://www.museum.vic.gov.au/) - offers a wide range of education programs, resources and experiences. The Mind and Body and Science and Life galleries are particularly useful for the learning and teaching of science. The web site provides web-based education resources and projects based on Museum Victoria's collection databases and research. It also provides details of student activities.
Natural Resources Conservation League of Victoria (http://www.nrcl.org.au) - advocates sustainable management of forest ecosystems and provides environmental education. It supports the Toolangi Forest Discovery Centre and develops resources for teachers. The web site provides details of excursions and interactive activities for students.
Royal Botanic Gardens (http://www.rbg.vic.gov.au) - utilises the rich natural and cultural resources of both the Melbourne and Cranbourne sites to provide learning opportunities of primary and secondary students that integrate science knowledge, cultural understanding and social issues. The web site details on-site school programs, curriculum resources and teacher professional development opportunities.
Scienceworks and the Melbourne Planetarium (http://scienceworks.museum.vic.gov.au/) - offers hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, school programs, tours, activities and shows that enable students and teachers to explore science and technology. The web site provides information on current exhibitions, education programs and various science topics.
Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSEEC) (http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au) - promotes the learning of science by providing engaging, hands on activities for students and teachers. VSSEC is also part of a global network of Space Science Centres and Institutions and links between local and international business and industry. The web site provides an electronic newsletter CAPCOM and various other downloadable resources.
Zoos Victoria (http://www.zoo.org.au) - oversees three zoos in the State. The Zoo education service offers programs on all aspects of animal biology including structure and function, adaptation, habitat, conservation. The web site provides online learning resources, special programs for schools, details of how to organise a visit, and professional development information for teachers.
School Incursion/Excursion programs
Amphibian Research Centre (ARC) (http://frogs.org.au/arc/index.html) - encourages students to learn about frogs in a practical way. Excursion programs that can be coupled with a Melbourne Water visit are offered, as well as practical information about keeping and caring for amphibians. Resources available include books, tapes and posters.
CERES Centre for Education and Research in Environmental Strategies (http://www.ceres.org.au) - offers programs and can design programs to suit schools' specific needs. The web site includes details of all of their education programs, which focus on issues such as water conservation, energy, waste and sustainability.
CSIRO Science Education Centre (CSIROSEC) (http://www.csiro.au/melbcsirosec/index.html) - Australia's national science agency. The Victorian web site provides information on school programs, educational events, and the Melbourne CSIRO Science Education Centre, which offers hands-on science programs for students and teachers.
Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) (http://www.dse.vic.gov.au) - enter the key word ‘education’ to browse the DSE web site to explore the range of educational resources available. Education officers are available to present sessions on a number of topics. This site contains information on coast and marine management; conservation and the environment; fire and other emergencies; forest, heritage and land management; parks and reserves; planning; plants and animals; property, titles and maps; recreation and tourism; research; and water.
Discovery Centre Bendigo (http://www.discovery.asn.au/) - focuses on science and technology and offers assistance to teachers in excursion planning and curriculum related workshops. The web site provides contact details, information about its programs including pricing, and provides an extensive list of links to science-related web sites.
Monash Science Centre (http://www.sci.monash.edu.au/msc/) - offers a range of resources that include hands-on practical programs, excursions and information resources about Victoria’s fascinating geology. The web site provides science teaching resources science education information such as professional development opportunities and services provided by the Centre, as well as information on current exhibitions and programs.
Questacon (http://www.questacon.edu.au) - Australia’s national Science and Technology centre. It has an extensive range of on-line resources for both teachers and students and conducts an annual outreach program.
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) (http://www.rspcavic.org/rspca_services/education.htm) - provides hands-on opportunities for students to learn about animal biology and welfare.