Volcano Dreaming Overview

Footprints of the Western Volcanic Plains is Ecolinc’s newest signature curriculum program. It is designed for students in Years 4-7 and uses the panorama image titled 'Volcano Dreaming' as the stimulus for a range of curriculum resources, onsite activities, field work and outreach opportunities.

The applicable Volcano Dreaming activities (1-12, plus 13 which is an extension) for each AusVELS outcome has been identified in the tables below.

Please go to the bottom of the page to download the full detailed list.

Panels 1-4: Wetland/Grassland Ecosystem Species

Panels 5-8: Grassland Ecosystem

Panels 9-12: Wetland/Open Woodland Ecosystem

We acknowledge the funding received by Melton City Council to develop these curriculum materials.  The curriculum materials have been designed using the Volcano Dreaming panels.  Volcano Dreaming was originally designed, photographed, researched and digitally constructed by Peter Haffenden and Kerrie Poliness from Inherit Earth.  Funding for this project was made possible by EPA Victoria’s – Inspiring Environmental Solutions program and Victoria University. 

When Europeans first settled in Australia they introduced sheep, cattle, horses and crops. In 1856, near Geelong, a few rabbits were released and bred into millions in a few years. These additions were devastating to native plants and animals. Rabbits alter the structure of native plants and contribute to erosion. Myxomatosis and other controls have been introduced with little effect, and as a result rabbits continue to be one of the biggest threats to conservation of native grasslands.

The introduction of sheep in Victoria in the 1830s, was the single biggest factor in early degradation of grasslands. By 1851, six million sheep were found on the plains. The hard hooves of the sheep replaced the soft footed mammals, traditional land management techniques used by Aboriginal people were altered and they quickly wiped out native plants like Myrnong (yam daisy).