The Allan Labor Government is celebrating National Science Week with the launch of an exciting new program that empowers young Victorians with the knowledge and tools to protect the state's precious native wildlife.
Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos today launched the Focus Species program, an initiative that teaches primary school students about conservation and everyday actions they can take to help protect our wildlife.
Developed by the Conservation Regulator, the Focus Species program features six native animals - including the hooded plover, southern right whale, red-tailed black cockatoo, bearded dragon, brush-tailed phascogale and Murray-Darling carpet python.
Each species has a catchy and easy to remember slogan which relates to the Conservation Regulator's responsibilities and priorities, helping kids to remember the right things to do when they encounter native wildlife or habitat and play their part in following them.
The first phase of the program focuses on primary school students with free teaching resources created for educators that include five lesson plans and variety of engaging activities such as videos, printable worksheets, and outdoor play exercises that focus on wildlife conservation.
The materials help children develop an early understanding of why Victoria's conservation regulations exist and how following them into adulthood will ensure native species can survive and thrive for generations to come.
Schools are embracing this year's National Science Week theme of species survival, bringing together science, technology, social and cultural disciplines to equip young people with skills to conserve Victoria's beautiful landscapes and the wildlife that calls them home.
The Labor Government is dedicated to supporting Victoria's teachers and next generation of environmental leaders to grow, learn and inspire their communities to preserve the state's iconic biodiversity.
For more information on the program and to access primary school lesson plans, visit free-lesson-plans-primary-school-teachers.
As stated by Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos
"Programs like this are so important to equip Victoria's next generation with the skills to protect the state's precious native wildlife at home and in the wild."
As stated by Member for Essendon Danny Pearson
"Our kids are key to behaviour change and have a big role to play in influencing their peers, family and friends to take an active role in preserving Victoria's beautiful landscapes and the wildlife that calls them home."
As stated by Chief Conservation Regulator Kate Gavens
"By focusing on early education and helping Victorian kids develop positive, habitat-protecting habits, we can prevent environmental harm and conserve our native species for future generations."
