Education

At the Dolphin Discovery Centre (DDC) we provide educational activities and field based learning in marine and environmental studies. These activities include both incursions and excursions and the content within each has been designed to not only be interactive, entertaining and educational, but also to focus on Science and Biology as described within the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) materials (v5.0 May 2013). Within the ACARA model, our program content for all school years cover the science strands of Science and Understanding, Science as a Human Endeavour and Science Inquiry Skills inclusive of Cross Curriculum Priorities such as Sustainability and Aboriginal Histories and Cultures.

Located 90 minutes south of Perth on the foreshore of Koombana Bay in Bunbury, the Centre is surrounded by a diverse range of marine and coastal habitats including the Indian Ocean, Koombana Bay, the Leschenault Estuary, the Leschenault Inlet, and the white mangrove colony. Each habitat represents a unique natural resource and an ideal opportunity to learn and have fun.

Excursion / Activity Program

Year Levels: School Year up to level 2
Activities:
  • 1. See under the sea
  • 2. What's in the Mud
Activity 1 - See under the sea
Duration 90 minutes
Cost $7.50 pp
Description In this fun and interactive program students will observe and investigate marine animals in a range of different habitats. They will also be introduced to the concept of human impact such as pollution and the importance of looking after our marine environment to protect the animals they see and feel during the excursion. We require a minimum of 15 students for this activity.
Key Learning Area Science
Other Learning Areas Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Cross Curriculum Priorities Sustainability, Aboriginal histories and cultures
Activity 2 - What's in the Mud
Duration 90 minutes
Cost $7.50 pp
Description The colony of White Mangroves (Avicennia marina), located adjacent to the Centre is considered one of the most unique and mysterious habitats in the South West. Students will observe a range of animals and plants that can be seen living amongst them and investigate those that cannot be seen through active scientific investigation. An understanding of protecting areas so that the animals and plants they see on the excursion can survive will also be introduced. We require a minimum of 15 students for this activity.
Key Learning Area Science
Other Learning Areas Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Cross Curriculum Priorities Sustainability, Aboriginal histories and cultures
Year Levels: School Years 3 - 6
Activities:
  • 1. The Sea and Me
  • 2. Mangroves are from Mars
Activity 1 - The Sea and Me
Duration 90 - 120 minutes
Cost $7.50 pp
Description This program investigates and interprets information about cetaceans and other living organisms under the sea. Not only will students learn more about marine animals, biodiversity and the food-chain but also understand and recognise the need to act responsibly in relation to them and their environments. We require a minimum of 15 students for this activity.
Key Learning Area Science
Other Learning Areas Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Cross Curriculum Priorities Sustainability, Aboriginal histories and cultures (upon request)
Activity 2 - Mangroves are from Mars
Duration 90 - 120 minutes
Cost $7.50 pp
Description During this activity students will discover the unique biology and ecology of the mangrove habitat found adjacent to the Centre and appreciate the critical role it plays to support and sustain the entire local marine eco-system. An important component of this activity will also be to evaluate human impacts on the local mangrove environment, recognize the importance of conservation and to identify additional ways we can protect them for future conservation. Critical topics of biodiversity and food webs will also be explained and demonstrated. We require a minimum of 15 students for this activity.
Key Learning Area Science
Other Learning Areas Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Cross Curriculum Priorities Sustainability, Aboriginal histories and cultures
Year Levels: School Years 7 - 10
Activities:
  • 1. Dolphin Dynamics
  • 2. Mud, Mangroves & the Millennium
Activity 1 - Dolphin Dynamics
Duration 90 - 120 minutes
Cost $7.50 pp
Description This activity will introduce the local Bottlenose dolphins and how the environment they live in shapes their biology and ecology. There is a focus on species interdependencies that exist in the area and how both anthropogenic and natural changes have impacted the dolphins and their local marine environment. This knowledge will re-enforce the importance of the research programs currently conducted here at the Centre and provide the students with the ability to identify variables that influence natural processes. Students will also be asked to formulate management strategies that promote conservation and sustainability. We require a minimum of 15 students for this activity.
Key Learning Area Science
Other Learning Areas Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Cross Curriculum Priorities Sustainability, Aboriginal histories and cultures
Activity 2 - Mud, Mangroves & the Millennium
Duration 90 - 120 minutes
Cost $7.50 pp
Description Students will investigate and explore the composition of the mangrove habitat located within the Leschenault Inlet and identify the miracle adaptations they have made to survive in such a harsh environment. They will also identify the interdependencies that exist between the mangroves and the local flora and fauna and how both anthropogenic and natural changes have impacted the area over time. Identifying these critical variables that influence the natural processes will also allow the students to formulate theories on future impact and the establishment of management strategies that promote future conservation and sustainability. We require a minimum of 15 students for this activity.
Key Learning Area Science
Other Learning Areas Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Cross Curriculum Priorities Sustainability, Aboriginal histories and cultures
Year Levels: School Years 10 - 12
Activities:
  • 1. Fisheries Science: Herring Dissection - COMING SOON
Activity 1 - Fisheries Science: Herring Dissection - COMING SOON
Duration 120 minutes
Cost $10.00 pp
Description This program will provide a hands-on dissection activity designed to create an awareness of the biology and ecology of bony fishes and how it relates to fisheries management. We require a minimum of 15 students for this activity.
Key Learning Area Science
Other Learning Areas Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Cross Curriculum Priorities Sustainability, Aboriginal histories and cultures
Year Levels: All school years
Activities:
  • 1. Bring the Sea to Me - COMING SOON
  • 2. Aboriginal History & Cultures
Activity 1 - Bring the Sea to Me - COMING SOON
Duration 60 - 120 minutes
Cost $7.50 pp
Description This program provides students with experiences of exploration and investigation within their own classroom. They will have a lot of fun learning more about marine animals and will be introduced to the importance of looking after our environment to protect the animals they see and feel during the excursion. We require a minimum of 15 students for this activity.
Key Learning Area Science
Other Learning Areas Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Cross Curriculum Priorities N/A
Activity 2 - Aboriginal History & Cultures
Duration 60 - 120 minutes
Cost $12.00 pp
Description Troy Bennell is an esteemed Noongar artist, member of the Balardung people and runs Ngalang Wongi Aboriginal Cultural Tours. He aspires to showcase the traditional and contemporary Noongar culture and history and to provide opportunities for all learners to deepen their knowledge of Australia by engaging with one of the world’s oldest continuous living cultures. Students will gain a knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture, country and people which is not only incredibly entertaining, but will enrich their ability to participate positively in the ongoing development of a multi-cultural Australia. We require a minimum of 15 students for this activity.
Key Learning Area Aboriginal histories and cultures
Other Learning Areas Geography, the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, History, English
Cross Curriculum Priorities Sustainability
Year Levels: School Years 5-12
Activities:
  • 1. Boats, Biology & Bay
Activity 1 - Boats, Biology & Bay
Duration 60 - 90 minutes
Cost $30.00 pp
Description Students will gain a better understanding of the Koombana Bay environment inclusive of human activities and the potential impacts they impose. This boat-based tour will also introduce dolphin research strategies and how the information is used for conservation purposes. We require a minimum of 15 students for this activity.
Key Learning Area Science
Other Learning Areas Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Cross Curriculum Priorities Sustainability, Aboriginal histories and cultures
Year Levels: School Staff
Activities:
  • 1. School Staff Information Visit
  • 2. Staff Professional Development Workshop
Activity 1 - School Staff Information Visit
Duration 15 - 30 minutes
Cost Free
Activity 2 - Staff Professional Development Workshop
Duration 60 - 120 minutes
Cost Group Price

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Steps for Booking Activities

1. Choose an activity / activities
2. Choose a number of times / dates that suit you
3. Call / email or fill in the form below
4. Receive confirmation of your booking

Terms of Booking

  • Please book in advance to avoid disappointment.
  • A minimum of 15 students required for each activity.
  • We need 48 hours notice for cancellation, numbers must be confirmed at this time and invoices will be charged based off those numbers. Allowances are made for children sick on the day, but we appreciate if numbers can be as accurate as possible, as this allows us to staff accordingly.
  • Students are allowed to bring their own lunch and snacks for the excursion. If children will be purchasing their lunches please advise our staff ahead of time.
  • Teachers/Assistants are no charge but no more than 1 every 10 students. These people must be included in numbers when the Boat, Biology and Bay is booked.

What to bring

  • Hats, suncream, drink bottle, lunch and snacks if applicable.

resources

Information Booklet

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Water-Based Excursions

Please note that all excursions at the Centre are considered to be Non Water Based Excursions(with the exception of the boat tours). Should dolphins visit the Interaction Zone the students will observe and record the dolphin’s visit and behaviour from the shoreline. It will be at the discretion of the school as to whether the students are able to approach or enter the water, however it should be noted that the DDC does hold Public Liability Insurance to the value of $10,000,000.

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Ground Breaking Research

The extraordinary partnership between Bunbury Dolphin Discovery and Murdoch University, along with others, enables us to deliver high-quality research outcomes. Being known as a renowned centre for research has attracted scientists from prestigious institutions worldwide. We are confident that findings from research conducted in Bunbury will add significantly to the pool of current knowledge on the topic of the sustainability of wild dolphins and their significance as important community resource. Such knowledge will have implications for conservation and management of wildlife both in Bunbury and worldwide.

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