Science Teaching Units
The focus of these Units has been developed from the Key Focus Areas of the Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report 2009. The Units encourage students, teachers and their communities to follow the main aim of the Reef Guardians - to be stewards of the environment.
The Science Teaching Units cover a range of Reef related topics from Year 1 - 10:
- Year 1 - Habitat Investigations
- Year 3 - Exploring the Reef
- Year 4 - Endangered Species: Marine Turtles
- Year 5 - Animal Adaptations
- Year 6 - Let's go Fishing
- Year 7 - Wetlands
- Year 8 - Coral Bleaching
- Year 9 - Ecosystems
- Year 10 - Climate Change
The Early Years Activities (Foundation Year - Year 2) may be used as single science lessons or to create a series of lessons. The Year 11 and 12 Investigation Tasks may be used as either extended Experimental Investigations or Extended Research Tasks to support the needs of students in science based units of work.
The content descriptors for these units are from the Australian Science Curriculum Version 2.0. Following the inquiry based 5Es approach to teaching science, the units are based on the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) expectations of a minimum time per week assigned to science lessons for students in each graft level. The overall units or the individual lessons could be extended or shortened to cater for individual classes as deemed necessary by the class teacher. The Units include a resource section with a guide to making judgements and links to the QSA Literacy Indicators.
The Science Teaching Units are evolving documents (current Version 0.2) and will continue to be updated as new information becomes available on the Australian Science Curriculum.
If you are using these Units or parts of the Units we would be interested to hear from you. Please contact reefguardians@gbrmpa.gov.au if you would like to provide feedback.
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Free Zoning Maps
If you're heading out on the water, don't forget your free Zoning Map so you know where you can go and what you can do.
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Whale of a time
The Great Barrier Reef is a hive of activity. If you're lucky enough to see a humpback whale from May to September, make sure you keep a safe distance.
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Important milestone
We're delighted to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park's World Heritage listing.
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Visit the Reef
Visit our Great Barrier Reef and discover its amazing plants, animals and habitats. There are a range of tourism experiences on offer.
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What you can do
Everyone has a role to play in protecting our Great Barrier Reef. Find out what you can do to help protect this Great Australian icon.
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Report marine strandings
If you see sick, dead or stranded marine animals please call RSPCA QLD 1300 ANIMAL
(1300 264 625) -
Climate Change and the Great Barrier Reef
A Vulnerability Assessment: of the issues that could have far-reaching consequences for the Great Barrier Reef.
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Current Conditions
Current Conditions: Environmental and climatic forecasts for the Great Barrier Reef
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Reef Guardians Improving the outlook
The Great Barrie Reef is facing some challenges. Many people, including Reef Guardians, are making a difference. View the commercial.
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Reef Guardian Grazier
Reef Guardian graziers are helping to protect the Great Barrier reef through better farming practices.Watch the commercial.
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Reef Guardian Banana Farmer
Reef Guardian farmers are undertaking on-farm practices that are helping to protect the Great Barrier Reef. Watch the commercial.
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Reef Guardian Cane Farmer
Reef Guardian farmers are forward-thinking producers who are doing their bit for the Reef. Watch the commercial.
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Reef Guardian Fisher
Reef Guardian fishers are fishing sustainably for the health of the Reef and their fishery. Watch the commercial.
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Reef Guardian Marine Aquarium Collector
Coral Collectors hand pick corals from various locations to minimise impact and help The Great Barrier Reef. Watch the commercial.
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Reef Guardian Council
Reef Guardian councils across the Great Barrier Reef catchment are demonstrating Reef protection and management. Watch the commercial.
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Reef Guardian School
Reef Guardian schools across Queensland are taking positive action for the environment. Watch the commercial.

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