Australian+National+Botanic+Gardens

Kerrie Wheeler, Anthea Bell and Lisa Broadbent

= ﻿ Australian National Botanic Gardens =  The Australian National Botanic Gardens is located off Clunies Ross St in Acton, Canberra City. The gardens encourage the growing, studying and promoting of Australia's flora and are open daily 8.30am-5.00pm, (extended to 6pm weekdays, 8pm weekends in January). Their homepage can be accessed through the following website: []

**Educational Programs:** The Australian National Botanic Gardens provide Educational programs for **Pre-school through to year 12**. The programs involve inquiry based learning explorations and kinaesthetic experiences which are linked to the curriculum, in both indoor and outdoor classrooms. Primary aged programs are designed for year 3 and above. The programs can be adapted to suit the needs of the students and the classes focus area of study. All programs would be a valuable resource to continue building students knowledge, in a fun and engaging environment for all bands of development. Outcomes addressed relate to Civics and Citizenship; and ELA 21. The student understands about Australia and Australians. //Indoor and outdoor classroom //

**[|Primary Learning programs]**include:

Discover Australia's diverse and changing landscapes Discover Australia's floral emblems and icons Discover what it takes for plants to survive in Australia's harsh habitats //Pond Dipping// Discover Australia's natural and cultural heritage Discover how to identify, classify and preserve Australian plants Discover the differences between a whirligig, boatman and a backswimmer Discover the Gardens' famous river model River Resource //River Model//
 * **Around Oz in an Hour- Discover Australia's Biodiversity**
 * **Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Wattle, Wattle, Wattle**
 * **Survivor- Australia**
 * **Now and Then- Using Bush Plants[[image:698.JPG width="309" height="253" align="right"]]**
 * **The Botanist Apprentice**
 * **Skimmers, Slinkers and Swimmers- Pond Dipping**
 * **Water works- River Erosion Model**

Many other **[|teacher resources]**are available on the website, including extensive teacher notes and student booklets.

**Cost:** A one hour program is $5 per student and two hour programs are $7.50 per student. If this expense does not fit into the school budget there are do it yourself options, where a free learning kit can be provided. The Botanical Gardens offer free coach parking with a free hot drink and muffin included for the driver!

**Professional Development:** The Botanic Gardens offer one hour **[|professional development]** sessions for teachers to learn how to use the gardens as an educational resource and to see the variety of programs that are available.

**School Excursion Information:** The Gardens help you to **[|plan your visit]**before you arrive at the destination. They provide pre-excursion information, risk management and safety information, as well as emergency evacuation procedures. On our visit to the Gardens the Education Officer was more then willing to help. All bookings need to be made at least two weeks in advance.

The Botanical Gardens are wheel chair accessible, well signed and are equipped with water bubblers, numerous toilet blocks and shady grass areas for lunch breaks. //Educational resources// //Shady grass area for recess and lunch breaks// Bookings and enquires can be made online or through the Education Officer-

**Telephone:** (02) 6250 9408 **Fax:** (02) 6250 9477 **Email:** education@anbg.gov.au **Online bookings:** [] **Post address:** Education Services Australian National Botanic Gardens GPO 1777 Canberra ACT 2601