education
education
All our programs are either tailored to support relevant units within the new curriculum, or as specifically requested by our clients.
Our “Forest to Farm” programs for years 11-12 have been specifically developed for units of study in Geography, Earth and Environmental Science and Modern History. Each can however be tailored to a school’s needs. The programs are great fun and involve observing firsthand a gradient of anthropogenic change within a natural environment (excursion). Students witness amazing sub-tropical or tropical rainforest and extensive farming systems based on the same volcanic soil. Through participation in our “Forest to Farm” excursion, students gain a basic understanding of how humans have altered natural environments to create a monoculture conducive to crops and grazing. This program is delivered by passionate facilitators with specialist knowledge on the local geography. The experiences can be delivered to complement the following units or modules:
Geography
Earth and Environmental Science
Modern History
As our population increases, so too does demand for housing and related infrastructure. To make space for these new developments, important forest biomes are often cut away. Our “Forest to Farm” excursion is a structured (work-booklet based) investigation of the effects of this largescale environmental change on local ecology. Students will learn about the history of land cover transformations at a chosen destination and the environmental management principles that could ensure sustainability in future decision making. If you are seeking a different approach to your “Forest to Farm” study, we can design a program that is suitable for you.
Below is an example itinerary for a 1-day “Forest to Farm” excursion. All excursions packages include the necessary work booklets and equipment.
| 08:30 | Tour group pick- Second Nature have a fleet of vehicles available to cater for any number of passengers (within reason). We can provide transport to and from schools and airports |
| 09:30 | Arrive at Rainforest Site for Field Work Session 1 This activity will take the form of a quadrat investigation comparing the biodiversity (Simpson’s Biodiversity Index) and physical properties (e.g. ground cover or wind velocity) between two rainforest sites. Each student group will set up a quadrat in an undisturbed section of rainforest. They will also have the chance to lay a second quadrat in a section of rainforest that has been disturbed by a natural hazard (for example, a cyclone). Morning tea will be enjoyed between quadrats. |
| 12:00 | Lunch at Rainforest Site Great areas to relax and enjoy the scenery! |
| 12:30 | Activity Session 1 Interview with a National Park ranger and a representative of the local Indigenous people. These interviewees will give fascinating insights into the use of natural resources from the rainforest in the past and in the present. |
| 13:15 | Depart Rainforest Site for a Lookout |
| 13:45 | Arrive at the Lookout for Activity Session 2 Presentation on the geography of the local region. During this activity, your guides will explain how natural processes such as volcanism and the water cycle have contributed to the unique geography of the region, making it ideal for both rainforest and farmland. A field sketch where both rainforest and farm sites are visible will be possible at this location. |
| 14:15 | Depart Lookout for Farm Site |
| 14:30 | Arrive at Farm Site for Field Work Session 2 A third quadrat will be added to the quadrat investigation. During this field work session, student groups will be directed to a paddock where rainforest was once cleared for the farmland that now subsists. Here, they will measure biodiversity and physical properties as they did in Field Work Session 1. The comparison of undisturbed and disturbed (both by natural and human activity) quadrats will later form the basis of assessable field reports. |
| 15:30 | Activity Session 3 Interview with a farmer. Many farmers represent the fourth of fifth generation to work the land on which they are situated. This means their family has witnessed decades of changes within the same region of rainforest and farmland. These presenters have specialised knowledge on the local history and can skilfully recount a timeline of land cover transformations for the students. |
| 16:00 | Depart Farm Site, back to School or Airport |
| 17:00 | Return School or Airport at desired time |
