About the Cluster projects  |  Frequently asked questions

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    Which year levels will be involved in the projects?

    I have another idea for a project. Why can’t my class do that one instead?

    How am I supposed to fit the projects in? It’s hard enough now trying to cover everything.

    My students are interested in the projects. When can we start?

    But I don’t know anything about Lizard Lounges. Am I expected to know how to build one?

    How will the students get to the Gresswell Forest?

    I teach Year 10. Can I take my students to the Forest?

    Can my class work with another class?

    Web cameras? Who is paying for that?

    But I don’t know how to use a web camera. Will professional development be provided?

    I don’t teach science. How does “Ponding in the wetlands” relate to my subject?

 

 

Q        Which year levels will be involved in the projects?

 

A          As part of Schools for Innovations and Excellence, students in Years 5-9 at Kingsbury Primary School, Macleod P-12 College, Rosanna Golf Links Primary School and Rosanna Primary School will actively participate in the Gresswell Forest Projects. (Return to top)

 

 

Q          I have another idea for a project. Why can’t my class do that one instead?

 

A          They can. The original set of projects was not intended to be exhaustive or prescriptive. My role is to support Middle Years teachers and I am only too willing to assist you/teams of teachers in the development and implementation of Middle Years projects. Visit The Incubater to submit your idea.  (Return to top)

 

 

Q          How am I supposed to fit the projects in? It’s hard enough now trying to cover everything.

 

A          The projects can be used to enhance the existing curriculum - providing an authentic, real life context for   
            learning. They need not be seen as “extra” or “add ons”. (Return to top)

 

 

Q          My students are interested in the projects. When can we start?

 

A          In most cases this is completely negotiable. Most of the projects are ready to go now. Some projects have
            external time constraints and these are listed on the website. (For example, The Frog Census takes place in
            August.) In other cases, classes need to fit in with times and dates made available by the Wildlife Reserve
            Officers/Park Rangers (For example, The Lizard Lounges will be rebuilt on Tuesdays as this is the day the
            Assistant Park Ranger is available). (Return to top)

 

 

Q          But I don’t know anything about Lizard Lounges. Am I expected to know how to build one?

 

A          No. Where specialised knowledge or skills are required support will be provided. In this instance, the LaTrobe
            University Wildlife Officers/Park Rangers will work with teachers and students. Curriculum support material
            already exists on our website for many projects. (Return to top)

 

 

Q          How will the students get to the Gresswell Forest?

 

A          In some case students can simply walk to the site (Melways Map 20 B5). Where the trip relates to nominated projects and is economically feasible, (that is several classes travelling together), a bus can be provided at no charge to students. The cost of the bus will be taken from the Schools for Innovations and Excellence funding. You will need to see me (Donald) and I will organise this for you and your classes. (Return to top)

 

 

Q          I teach Year 10. Can I take my students to the Forest?

 

A          Yes. The Gresswell Forest Reserve is Crown Land and as such, is open to the general public. (Return to top)

 

 

Q          Can my class work with another class?

 

A          Yes. The projects can be undertaken by several classes simultaneously. This collaborative style will enable
            students to share the results of their investigations and research. Students will be able to communicate with
            students from our Cluster schools via email, discussion boards and web cameras. (Return to top)

 

 

Q          Web cameras? Who is paying for that?

 

A          The web cameras are being purchased through the Schools for Innovations and Excellence funding.
            (Return to top)

 

 

Q          But I don’t know how to use a web camera. Will professional development be provided?

 

A          Yes. Training and support will provided to teachers. Remember that many of our students are already familiar
            with the technology and can be used as means of additional support. (Return to top)

 

 

Q          I don’t teach science. How does “Ponding in the wetlands” relate to my subject?

 

A          Teachers are already ‘pairing up’ to support the implementation of projects. Subjects can be used to
            complement one another. For example, the knowledge and skills students acquired in Science can be used to
            explore ideas in SOSE or English and vice versa. (Return to top)