The Canning River Eco Education Centre (CREEC) provides hands-on programs for adolescent students to learn and ask questions about the local environment.
Rivers at Risk
Identifying hazards and associated risks to natural ecosystems
Students are introduced to natural and ecological hazards associated with river systems within an urban catchment such as drought, introduced species and eutrophication. Students take a guided walk through the Canning River Regional Park to consider the risks associated with these hazards and how they may be sustainably managed at a local level.
$8 per student | 1.5 hours
Curriculum links: Geography/ATAR Unit 1, Geography/General Unit 1, Earth and Environmental Science/ATAR Unit 4, Earth and Environmental Science/General Unit 4
Testing Testing H20
A comparison of water quality
The Kent Street Weir on the Canning River provides a unique location to compare two river systems. Students use field equipment to assess abiotic features such as pH, salinity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and nutrient levels both upstream and downstream of the Weir. Water quality data is compared and discussed in terms of the impacts on aquatic life and the long-term management of the Canning River.
$8 per student | 1.5 hours
Curriculum links: Biology/ATAR Unit 1, Biology/General Unit 4, Integrated Science/ATAR Unit 2, Integrated Science/General Unit 1, Geography/ATAR Unit 3, Geography/General Unit 1
*Can be adapted for Yr 9 – Biological Sciences
SIGNALs in the Stream
An ecological snapshot of river health
Using the SIGNAL model as an assessment tool, students gain an indication of water quality in the Canning River by sampling and classifying aquatic macro-invertebrates. Results are discussed within a broader framework of sustainable water management within the Swan-Canning River catchment.
$9 per student | 2 hours
Curriculum links: Biology/ATAR Unit 1, Biology/General Unit 4, Integrated Science/ATAR Unit 2 Integrated Science/General Unit 1, Geography/ATAR Unit 3, Geography/General Unit 1
Aquatic Ecosystems
Investigate connections within an aquatic or wetland ecosystem by measuring and characterising its biotic and abiotic components. Test the water quality, sample macroinvertebrates and consider the role of humans in modifying the ecosystems.
$16.50 per student | 4 hours
Curriculum links: Biology/ATAR Unit 1, Biology/General Unit 4, Geography/ATAR Unit 3, Geography/General Unit 1, Integrated Science/ATAR Unit 2, Integrated Science/General Unit 1
Djarlgarra Yarning - Years K-12
'Canning River Stories'
The Noongar people’s strong connection with the wetlands and rivers that flow across the Swan Coastal Plain forms the basis for much of their culture, spirituality, and identity. Hear from an experienced Noongar educator who demonstrates first-hand how the resources provided by the land and river were traditionally used and how the seasons dictated their availability and sustainable use. Students participate in a range of hands-on activities suited to age level. *This program is adapted to each year level based on WA Curriculum content.
- Term 1, Week 9: 27, 28, and 29 March
- Term 2, Week 5: 22, 23 and 24 May
- Term 3, Week 7: 28, 29 and 30 August
- Term 4, Week 4: 30, 31 October, 1 November
- Session times are: 9.30am to 11.30am or 12pm to 2pm
$11 per student | 2 hours | WA Curriculum – Science, HASS, Priorities - Sust. A and TSI
For further information or bookings visit the Nearer to Nature schools page, email n2n@dbca.wa.gov.au or call 9295 2244.