Bush walk interpretation

Year 10 classroom case study: creating an interactive nature walk

School description: Aitken College is a Prep to Year 12 independent school in Greenvale, an outer northern suburb of Melbourne. More than 1,250 students attend Aitken College and 150 staff members are employed there.

Teacher: Cristy Herron, Head of Environmental Programs

Vision and process:

As a Year 10 Environmental Science elective assessment task, students investigated native flora on the college grounds, which evolved into the creation and implementation of an ICT interactive nature walk. Each student selected a native plant along a path through a stretch of on-site native bushland. Students then conducted research and created an information webpage specific to their plant. The next stage of the project involved students physically labelling their plants with QR codes. The QR codes provide web links which, when scanned using a mobile device, take the user directly to the information webpage created by students.

The entire project was completed in a single school term during normal class time and didn’t require any funding beyond the usual subject allotment under the Science Faculty budget.

Outcomes:

• Biodiversity awareness – native flora investigative research
• Information technology and communication – webpage design, QR code creation
• Interactive nature walk for college community to enjoy at any time
• Incorporating ICT into outdoor learningSustainability as a cross-curricular priority – understanding biodiversity

Reflections:

Because we simply laminated the QR codes and mounted them on star pickets, over time the interactive nature walk became weathered and difficult to follow. It worked well as a temporary display, but permanent, purpose-built bollards should be considered for long-term use. Of course, this would come at a cost. It would need to be incorporated into capital budgeting and would require the involvement of administration and grounds staff. 

Resources used:

• Native flora field guides etc. for plant identifications and information research
• QR code creator using web search
• QR code readers for mobile devices (standard or free mobile/tablet applications)
• Printer, laminator, wood blocks with holes in each corner, star pickets, zip-ties.

Link to cross curriculum priorities and/or state frameworks:

• Sustainability as a cross-curricular priority
• English and research skills
• Incorporating ICT into learning.