How does your school or teachers connect students to the reef to promote CARE?
Have displays and nature positive messaging in the classroom/ school
Students can list how their own actions can positively or negatively impact reef related ecosystems.
Make connections with First Nation Peoples and their connection to land and sea
Students make connections with their country's or local indigenous/native culture and history about the reef
Students reflect on their own connection to the reef and marine ecosystems
Which Reef Guardian School Program curriculum resources were used to help students LEARN?
Reef Guardian teaching units
Reef Education free or paid Virtual Learning Experiences (VLEs)
Environmental days (World Ocean Day, Plastic Free July, Walk to School days, National Recycle week).
Which Reef Authority resources were used to help students LEARN?
Reef Authority Educational Videos (i.e. Classification of Reef Creatures, Great Barrier Reef Aquarium YouTube channel, Reef Authority Youtube channel)
Marine Park Zone and permits
Data for analysis
Which LEARN topics were covered this year?
Climate change
Responsible reef practices and marine life and boating dangers
Water quality
Coastal development and ecosystem restoration
Marine Data analysis
Target animals (e.g. turtles)
Animal features and adaptations
The Great Barrier Reef
Reef worldwide
ACT Marine Debris
Marine debris clean-up (i.e. clean up a local beach/river/creek, clean up Australia Day)
Litter reduction in school (i.e. clean up proactive program)
Litter free lunches (i.e. plastic free lunch)
Education on assembly, newsletters and posters (i.e. educate school community with a talk at assembly, newsletters and posters)
ACT Reducing waste and recycling
School waste audit/source reduction plan (i.e. look at the amount of waste your school produces and make a plan to reduce it)
Bringing waste free lunches to school
Plastic straw removal or drinks with plastic straws
Bin stencilling (e.g. paint nature positive messages on school bins)
Compost Bins
Worm Farms
Keeping chickens - feeding them food scraps
Recycling program (i.e. start a recycling program at your school)
ACT Water conservation
School water audit and/or reduction (i.e. look at the amount of water your school uses and make a plan to reduce it)
Install water tank at school to use rainwater
ACT Reducing energy
School energy audit and/or reduction (i.e. look at the amount of energy your school uses and make a plan to reduce it)
Using/installing solar
Energy monitors (i.e. track your schools energy usage)
Encourage students to turn off electrical equipment when not in use (i.e. lights, fans,)
ACT Gardens and habitat restoration
School kitchen garden (i.e. garden that produces fruit and vegetables for your schools tuckshop)
Upkeep native garden or produce garden
Take an opportunity to immerse your class in nature
Take photos of the school's nature and learn about its importance
ACT Engage in a community/school challenge
Presentation to whole school by external partner
Celebrate Environmental days (i.e. World Ocean Day, Plastic Free July, Walk to School days, National Recycle Week etc).
ACT Citizen Science Projects
Reef Check
Great Citizen Science Data Collection (reef)
Who did you SHARE or collaborate with in the community?
Traditional Owner organisation or First Nations Groups/Organisations
Your country's or local indigenous/native groups
Collaborate with another school in conservation activity or learning opportunity
How did you SHARE your achievements, messaging or achievements?
Family/community participation in ‘school led’ environmental activity/project
Publicise within the school community (e.g. assembly, newsletters, social media)
How did you SHARE Reef Guardian School Program membership?
Display RGS Fence sign
Reward Reef Guardians with environmental leader awards
Case study and share evidence of Reef Guardian student pathway into marine science
How did your school Care, Learn, Act and Share to promote the next generation of reef STEWARDs?
Support Reef Restoration activities with local partners at a site on the reef or your local marine protected area
Significantly decrease carbon footprint
Change the mind set of students to instil life long learning and positive nature behaviours
Be an active Reef Guardian School by completing an annual action plan >3 years in a row