Tasmania Down Under - Love where you live is an exciting curriculum linked schools campaign that will showcase the state’s best-kept secret; a marine environment that rivals tropical reefs in colour and diversity.

 

It boasts sponge gardens that explode in a kaleidoscope of colours, magical kelp forests and dragons that sparkle like jewels. Up to 85% of the marine species found here on the southern shores are found nowhere else in the world.

 

The campaign will provide a vital platform to create greater awareness of the marine values of Tasmania and the impacts our actions on land have on these marine environments. Using materials from the Tasmania Down Under publication and documentary, the program will engage and empower students with the knowledge to educate and create positive change in their communities.

 

With the support of the project team, students will research, write, film, present and edit short videos to document the uniqueness of Tasmania’s marine environments, why they need protecting and how to reduce harmful litter entering the surrounding coastal waters.

 

The project will culminate m an awards ceremony and videos shared across social media, education and project partner platforms. Students will be able to share their knowledge and empower their peers, creating a new wave of environmental champions.

 

RATIONALE

1. Few realise the incredible diversity or Tasmania’s marine environments. Ultimately, we can't expect students to care for and protect an environment they don't know exists. This is reflected in a recent State of the Marine Environment Report:

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"There is an urgent need for better marine education. Effective management depends upon Australians knowing about the marine environment and its importance, wanting to care for it, and learning to look after it.  

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2. There are no tailored resources for teachers to incorporate themes around local marine biodiversity, catchment connections and litter into the curriculum.

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3. There is a need to create a stewardship ethic in the and new champions for the marine environment.

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4. One of the most effective methods of students learning is when they teach each other. This program will provide an engaging vehicle for this.

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5. The study of STEM is declining. This campaign will increase the appeal of STEM and the variety of career directions it can take them.