DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES
Education Programs
Early Childhood | Schools P - 10 Program | VCE Program | IB Program | Tertiary Programs | Professional | Sand Dune Revegetation | Tour of DPI | Outreach
Booking an Education Program
All school sessions booked with the Marine Discovery Centre include 30 minutes in our aquarium centre with a marine education officer in addition to the session that you have booked for. Programs can also be tailored to meet your needs
| Costs of our programs can be found with program descriptions for the majority of activities. Please download, fully complete and return the attached booking enquiry form (PDF). Please note that this is an enquiry form only and does not constitute a confirmed booking until you are contacted by the Marine Discovery Centre. Bookings for field activities can be dependent on tides, so early booking is recommended. You may request to speak to one of our education officers if you wish to discuss any special requirements that you may have for your visit. Phone number: (03) 5258 3344 Fax number: (03) 5258 1435 Postal address: Marine Discovery Centre P.O. Box 114 Queenscliff Victoria 3225 |  Look & Touch Session |
You could also send us an email if you would like more information:
E-mail address: marine.discovery@dpi.vic.gov.au.
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Early Childhood
| "I'd like to be under the sea..." Children are encouraged to use all of their senses to actively explore the sea-life, aquaria, displays and artefacts in the Centre. This is followed by exploration of stations including artefacts, puzzles, puppets, imaginary play, picture books and more in our Marine Discovery Room. Early Childhood (ages 4 - 6) 1.5 hours We also cater for playgroups on request. |  Children and turtle shells |
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Schools P - 10 Program
| The Marine Discovery Centre's schools program is an excellent way to introduce students to the wonders of the marine environment. All our sessions include opportunities for students to interact with live animals and provide hands on experiences through field trips, the use of technology and a range of specimens available at the centre. Our programs are categorised into outdoor field programs and indoor classroom and laboratory programs and cover all the VELS stages of learning; Early Years Prep to 4 - Foundations, Middle Years 5 to 8 - Building Breadth and Depth and Later Years 9 to 10 - Pathways. |  Mudflat Meander |
| To view the attached PDFs you will need Adobe Reader. A free copy can be downloaded from the Adobe website (external link). |  Laboratory Investigation |
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VCE Programs
| The VCE is an important time for students. Our VCE programs aim to provide students with authentic applications of their classroom theory, and simultaneously provide an opportunity to build social skills, gain self-confidence and have a memorable experience, in a hands-on learning environment. These programs meet specific work requirements for a variety of subjects, both indoors and field based. |  Marine Biology Cruise |
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International Baccalaureate Programs
We also cater for International Baccalaureate (IB) groups. For example, students can participate in a Rocky Shores program where they design and undertake their own investigation at Barwon Heads rock platform. Please ask us about tailoring a program for your IB group’s needs.
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Tertiary Programs
| The Marine Discovery Centre offers specialised courses designed for undergraduate needs, focussing on temperate marine ecology, advances in marine sciences, systematics and effects and issues associated with human impact on marine ecosystems. On-site facilities include fully equipped teaching laboratory and lecture facilities. Please contact us for more information regarding our tertiary programs |  Canoeing on Swan Bay |
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Professional Learning Programs
| The Marine Discovery Centre conducts activity based professional development programs for teachers during the year. The professional development programs at the Centre complement the VELS, CSF and / or VCE study designs. Professional development programs can be designed specifically to suit your schools needs. Please call us and speak to one of our education officers if you are interested in a program specifically for your school. |  Shore Snorkel |
Sand Dune Revegetation
| Our free of charge sand dune revegetation program runs from May through August each year and gives students hands-on experience in sand dune stabilisation and revegetation work. With sites from Queenscliff to Apollo Bay, this program is great for primary, secondary and tertiary students alike and is of particular interest to geography, environmental science, biology and science students. Bookings open in May each year. Contact the Marine Discovery Centre with your e-mail address to be added to our Sand Dunes Mailing list. |  Sand Dune Revegetation |
Tour of DPI’s Queenscliff Centre
| Tour DPI’s renowned marine research facility. A valuable insight into the wealth of research being conducted at our Queenscliff site. |  Marine Scientist in action |
Outreach Programs
The Alcoa - Marine Discovery Centre Outreach Program for Primary Schools Bringing the Sea to your School
Our outreach program is delivered by Marine Education Officers who are qualified and experienced educators with backgrounds in Marine Biology and Environmental Education.
Your children will journey under the waves and use their senses to uncover the wonders of marine life. The early childhood program provides hands-on experiences in which children are encouraged to explore a variety of marine life through self-directed learning.
Our education officer will invite the children on a marine adventure in which they will use their senses to investigate the plants and animals from different marine habitats. Throughout the session the children can be involved in role-play using puppets, have the opportunity to create different habitats and play with puzzles, sand, shells and beach washed items.
The children will also have the opportunity to observe and handle living marine animals and plants such as snails, crabs, sea stars and seaweed.
Kindergarten and Primary Outreach Program Prices
Greater Geelong / Torquay
1 session: $150
2 or more sessions: $120 each session (on the same day)
Werribee / Lorne / Colac / Melton
1 session: $370
2 or more sessions: $210 each session (on the same day)
Ballarat / Altona / Laverton
1 session: $400
2 or more sessions: $270 each session (on the same day)
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