Education: Secondary

meet the animals

A guided walk, adapted according to age level, which lets visitors observe the inhabitants of Mt Rothwell, as they go about their nightly routines – among them the Eastern Barred Bandicoot, Eastern Quoll, the Rufous Bettong and the Brush Tailed Rock Wallaby. Discover both how these animals live and what threatens their survival in the wild. Explore topics such as endangered species, captive and wild breeding programs, habitat restoration, feral animals and feral proof fencing.

young conservationists

Mt Rothwell opens its gates for a full day and evening, giving students the opportunity to experience real conservation in action.  Activities are board and varied, from a walk in the bush to discover how Mt Rothwell’s environment has changed over time, to an expert talk explaining the role that Mt Rothwell plays in safe guarding some of Victoria’s remnant vegetation and endangered species. There’s a hands-on session focusing on landcare by participating in either weeding, collecting seeds, propagating or planting.  Students will also gain an appreciation of the science of conservation through field surveys and by visually recording landscape much like the European botanists did during early settlement times. A group discussion will give students an opportunity to explore possible solutions to current and future challenges facing many of Victoria’s endangered species. Finally the visit is rounded off with a guided walk to observe the inhabitants of Mt Rothwell, as they go about their nightly routine.  During this walk students will explore topics such as endangered species, captive and wild breeding programs, habitat restoration, feral animals and feral proof fencing.

art in the field

A full day session aimed at inspiring student artists through exposure to Mt Rothwell’s three unique environments - Old Growth Open Grassy Woodland, Granitic Hills Open Woodland and critically endangered Victorian Volcanic Plains Grassland. Learn about the past and present history of the area and the animals living in these habitats. Use a variety of materials and approaches to establish either a series of visual explorations to be further developed back at school, or work towards a finish artwork on site.

artist in residence on site

an add-on to art in the field While creating art on site, work alongside accomplished artists, and explore the way they interpret Mt Rothwell and its subject matter in their art making.

preparing student artists to visit

A visit by a Mt Rothwell art educator to the school, prior to the students arriving at Mt Rothwell. This visit prepares students to make the most of their site visit by exploring through discussion a variety of artworks by past and contemporary artists, all of whom have been inspired by the environment in their art making. Artists may include, Lorraine Connelly-Northey, Jan Senbergs, Eugene Von Guerard, Richard Long, Rosalie Gascoigne, Fred Williams, John Longstaff, Sidney Nolan, Robert Smithson, Fiona Hall, Bonita Ely, Lisa Roet, John Wolseley, Lauren Berkowitz, Louise Weaver or Lee Bul.

General education 2010

trapping  - afternoon and evening, $30 per student (year 10 students only, maximum number of students, 25)

Join one of our trapping programs and learn about the process of trapping various species including looking at different trap designs and their uses, making baits for particular species and selecting a trapping site. Learn how to handle animals as well as the different equipment needed to process them. Discover the conservation issues surrounding particular species at Mt Rothwell.

Teachers please note, peanut butter is sometimes used as bait for trapping activities. Would you please alert Mt Rothwell staff if you will be bringing anyone who is allergic to peanut butter.

Plan your own visit from the following activities – years 7 to 10

hair samples
Examine various hair samples from different animals found at Mt Rothwell. Determine who they are, where they came from, where and why they were found in a particular area. Learn why the hair samples are different by comparing the hair samples and the physical environment in which the species is found.

tracks, scats and other signs
Follow the steps of native nocturnal animals through the Open-grassy Woodland. Learn about what the animals at Mt Rothwell do when they are active at night. Investigate scats, tracks, diggings and nest sites. Using these signs, identify the rare species, which are found at Mt Rothwell.

habitat assessments
Assess a particular site in the woodlands to evaluate tree canopy cover. Set up quadrants in the substrate to rate the ground cover and overall habitat. Examine the relationship between the vegetation and the important roles of the biotic and abiotic factors.

bird watching
Learn to identify the potential bird species and their calls at Mt Rothwell. Record data, which relates to population size and other biological factors.
skull identification. Examine various skulls and skeletons from animals indigenous to Victoria. Analyse these to determine species, age, condition, diet and cause of death of a particular species.

local history and geology
Learn about the volcanic activity across the Western Plains, the formation of the You-Yangs and the granite rocky outcrops on the property. Discover how the Wathurong people lived pre and post European settlement. Compare their use of the land with that of the early settlers and how the history of farming impacted the local environment.

land restoration
Regenerate a site at Mt Rothwell, which has been altered by human actions. Learn about the causes and effects of human-induced environmental changes at Mt Rothwell.

night walk
Join a nocturnal spotlight tour to look at various rare and endangered animals. Explore such topics such as endangered species, captive and wild breeding, habitat restoration, feral animals and feral proof fencing. Consider possible solutions to current and future challenges facing Victoria’s endangered species

Costs
ALL DAY AND EVENING       $30 PER STUDENT
ALL DAY                       $20 PER STUDENT
HALF DAY                 $10 PER STUDENT
BBQS AVAILABLE FOR HIRE $1 PER STUDENT

Please note
Proper bush walking clothing is necessary while on site at Mt Rothwell - sturdy shoes, sun smart clothing, long pants, all weather gear. There is no charge for teachers or accompanying adults. Session times and activities are flexible however bookings are essential.