Wetlands and the water cycle exploration

Primary Year F-2 Year 3-4 Lesson plan Science Geography Water cycle Species Stormwater Waterways

These lessons can be used to compliment the Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands Explorer excursion. The lessons outline key content and concepts about the water cycle and wetlands, that will enhance your student’s learning experience.

There are different resources for you to use pre-visit and post-visit. The lessons get students to explore the themes about why wetlands are important and how we can protect them. 

Learn more about the excursion Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands Explorer.

Edithvale Seaford Wetland sign with pictures and information about birds

Learning outcomes

Year 1&2

Describe the observable weather of a place and seasonal changes using the water cycle
Explain what happens when people change natural places - waterways, and how they can be cared for
Understand that different living things live in different places, for example, land and water
Explore the different features of waterway species

Year 3&4

Explain how water can be a liquid, solid or gas using the natural water cycle
Identify the importance of waterway environments in Melbourne and Victoria
Recognise that waterway environments provide habitat for different species and require protection
Identify the importance of water to sustaining the lives of people
Identify the importance of waterways to the environment and to sustaining the lives of species
Understand the importance of waterway habitats for different species

Classroom & teacher resources

Pre-visit

Discover the vital role of water in sustaining the wetlands and how these natural wonders filter water before it reaches Port Phillip Bay.

To help your students prepare for their visit and get the most out of the experience, you can get them to complete the following activities.

Watch: Episode: The water cycle video.
Download and complete the water cycle diagram.
Go to World of Water: Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands to learn about wetlands and birds, plants and animals of the wetlands.
Get students to draw a ‘Know’, ‘Find out’, ‘Learnt’ table and get them to complete the ‘Know’, ‘Find out’ columns.

Know	Find out	Learnt

During your visit

Write down your observations when you visit the wetlands – See, Smell and Hear.

Post-visit

Learn how to protect and manage these precious wetland habitats sustainably, ensuring they thrive for generations to come.

Task 1: Conclusion and reflection

Reinforce learning & reflection and watch the Episode: Water and waterways video.
Get students to complete the ‘Learnt’ column of their ‘Know’, ‘Find out’, ‘Learnt’ table.
Get students to write a short reflection on what they learnt about wetlands and why they should be protected.

Task 2: Take action and protect our wetlands

List the activities that can help protect and conserve all wetlands.
Create a poster that shows how you, your class, your school or your community can actively participate and contribute to protecting wetlands.