Extreme Engineering: Reef Builders has been designed for Years 5-6 high-ability students.  Dr Rebecca Morris who is a Senior Lecturer and Marine Scientist at the University of Melbourne has worked in conjunction with members of the Ecolinc team to develop this exciting hands-on VCES workshop. 

The duration of the program is 2 hours and will be broken up into 2 components.

The first section will commence with a presentation and Q&A opportunity.   Dr. Morris leads the Coastal and Estuarine Adaptation Lab where she works on coastal projects that use nature to protect shorelines. She will share how her work brings together different types of science to find smart, sustainable ways to reduce erosion and flooding, while also helping the environment thrive.

After a short break, students will commence a hands-on workshop also led by Dr. Morris.  In this hands-on virtual workshop, students will explore how oyster reefs can protect coastlines while supporting marine life. Working in small groups, students will learn how waves impact shorelines and how “living breakwaters” made from oysters can reduce wave energy and erosion.

IMPORTANT PREPARATION DETAILS:

1. For this VCES program, teachers will be posted the necessary STEM-in-a-box materials
2. There are limited numbers of tickets available.  Only ONE ticket of up to 25 high ability students per school for each event. 
3. NOTE: Rural and regional students will be a priority in the event of large booking demand.
4. Program flyer VCES Extreme Engineering: Reef Builders

How to book your group

1. Book your students into either of the dates available.
2. Tickets can be booked using the link below (NOTE: one ticket is for a group of up to 25 students)
3. Download and complete the attached Student details  spreadsheet and email this through to ecolinc@education.vic.gov.au

After your booking is confirmed

Please download the parental invitation and student nomination forms and distribute them to the families of the students.

• VCES Student Nomination Form
• VCES Parent Info

The Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series (VCES) is an initiative funded by the Victorian Government to extend and engage high-ability students across the state. The series provides opportunities for students from Foundation to Year 12 in Government Schools to participate in enrichment learning experiences that challenge their thinking, build advanced skills, and encourage creativity, problem-solving and collaboration. Delivered by specialist organisations and education providers, VCES programs immerse students in authentic, real-world learning beyond the classroom.

• Year Level: Year 5-6
• Duration: 2 hours

Yes, a kit of resources will be sent to your school

No prior knowledge is required.

In this video conference students will:

• Understand that natural systems (like reefs) can reduce the impact of environmental forces such as waves and erosion
• Recognise that living things (oysters) interact with their environment and contribute to ecosystem health
• Understand that scientists and engineers use nature-based solutions to solve real-world problems
• Explore how scientific knowledge is used to protect environments and communities
• Explore oyster reefs as a “living breakwater.”

In this video conference students will:

• Pose questions and make predictions about how wave energy affects coastlines
• Plan and conduct simple investigations (testing wave impact on models)
• Observe, record, and interpret results to identify patterns
• Evaluate how design choice influences outcomes
• Generate and test design ideas for artificial reef structures
• Refine designs based on evidence and feedback
• Consider sustainability and environmental impact in designing their solutions
• Design a modular oyster reef unit using clay and consider:
  • Shape (curved, flat, clustered)
  • Structure (height, thickness, holes)
  • Connectivity (how units join together)
• Sketch and label designs before building

Science – Science as a Human Endeavour

• Scientific knowledge changes over time, often resulting from collaboration or by building on the work of others, and leads to advances in science  VC2S6H01

Science – Use and influence of science

• Scientific knowledge, skills and data can be used by individuals and communities to identify problems, consider responses and make decisions VC2S6H02

Science – Biological Science

• Organisms have evolved over time, as seen in fossils and scientific records; the structural features and behaviours of living organisms enable them to thrive in their environments VC2S6U02
• Habitats can be described by their physical conditions; changing the physical conditions of a habitat, including by human activity, may affect the growth and survival of organisms VC2S6U01

Science – Earth and Space Sciences

• Geological processes including weathering, erosion, transportation and deposition can cause slow or rapid changes to Earth’s surface VC2S6U05
• Sudden geological changes or extreme weather conditions can affect Earth’s surface and atmosphere; the impacts of natural hazards, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, wildfires and floods, can be reduced by human actions and technological innovations VC2S6U06

Science – Planning and Conducting

• Repeatable scientific investigations to answer questions can be planned and conducted, including, as appropriate, deciding the variables to be changed, measured and controlled in fair tests, considering potential risks, planning for the safe and ethical use of equipment and materials, and obtaining permissions for investigations conducted on Country and Place or in protected areas VC2S6I02