Life in the Great Barrier Reef

Welcome and orientation: 10 mins.

Screening of Life in the Great Barrier Reef VR experience: 35 mins – an immersive journey through the Great Barrier Reef, exploring how the reef has changed over time, its connection to the Daintree rainforest, and the work of scientists and First Nations communities to support its future.

Gallery activity: 45 mins – using the supplied teacher kit, which is differentiated for junior and upper primary, as well as secondary and senior secondary, teachers will guide students through activities in the Great Southern Land gallery, exploring stories of change, resilience and custodianship.

Students will build their understanding of the Great Barrier Reef, consider how people are responding to environmental change, and explore how they too can think and act as changemakers.

Teachers return the resource pack to the Information Hub on departure.

Stage 1

• Discuss perspectives related to objects, people, places and events (HASS – AC9HS2S04)

Stage 2

• The importance of environments, including natural vegetation and water sources, to people and animals in Australia and on another continent (HASS – AC9HS4K05)

Stage 3

• Investigate how scientific knowledge is used by individuals and communities to identify problems, consider responses and make decisions (Science – AC9S6H02)

Stage 4

• The cultural connectedness of people to places and how this influences their identity, sense of belonging and perceptions of a place, in particular the cultural connectedness of First Nations Australians to Country/Place (Geography – AC9HG7K07)

Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability

• Sustainable patterns of living require the responsible use of resources, maintenance of clean air, water and soils, and preservation or restoration of healthy environments. (Cross-curriculum priority SS2)

Life in the Great Barrier Reef is suitable for all audiences; however, the virtual reality (VR) headset is recommended for users 8 years and older. Specific guidance is provided in the health and safety notice below for young users aged 8 to 13 years. Children under the age of 8 are still welcome to attend a session, but teacher discretion is advised for wearing VR headsets. The VR experience is not recommended for people with certain medical conditions that could be aggravated by VR, such as epilepsy, heart conditions or severe motion sickness. Glasses can be worn under the headset, but the focus cannot be adjusted.

During the VR experience, teachers must not wear a headset to maintain a duty of care. A 2D version of the film will be available on the theatre screen.

Please read the health and safety notice before you book.