How does your school or teachers connect students to the reef to promote CARE?
Have displays and nature positive messaging in the classroom/ school
Teach conservation and respect for the environment, the world's oceans and its interconnected ecosystems (i.e. coral reefs, mangroves, sea grass beds)
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
Visit an aquarium
Which Reef Guardian School Program curriculum resources were used to help students LEARN?
Eye on the Reef Rapid Monitoring
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?
Crown of Thorns Starfish Program
Tourism
Which LEARN topics were covered this year?
Climate change
Water quality
Coastal development and ecosystem restoration
Marine debris
Target animals (e.g. turtles)
Conservation
The Great Barrier Reef
Urban development
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
Bringing waste free lunches to school
Plastic straw removal or drinks with plastic straws
Make recyclable/reusable bags
Keeping chickens - feeding them food scraps
Recycling program (i.e. start a recycling program at your school)
ACT Reducing energy
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
Growing Sugar cane
ACT Engage in a community/school challenge
Celebrate Environmental days (i.e. World Ocean Day, Plastic Free July, Walk to School days, National Recycle Week etc).
ACT Citizen Science Projects
Eye on the Reef sighting app or enter in data from Rapid Monitoring and 360 Benthic snorkel survey
Excursions to local waterway, parks, farms, reef
How did you SHARE Reef Guardian School Program membership?
Display RGS Fence sign
Reward Reef Guardians with environmental leader awards
How did your school Care, Learn, Act and Share to promote the next generation of reef STEWARDs?
Complete at least one action from Care, Learn, Act and Share
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 >10 years in a row