AN innovative education program that enables students to spend a week in a ‘forest classroom’ at the Dandenong Ranges National Park was launched by Ferntree Gully MP Nick Wakeling last week.
The State Government invested $90,000 into the Forest Classroom initiative that will give students in grade five and six an intensive nature-based experience to learn more about the environment and make an ongoing connection to national parks.
Mr Wakeling said the program will be offered to 23 local schools and will be run by the schools’ teachers with input from Parks Victoria employees.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to encourage children to connect with nature and learn more
about the environment,” Mr Wakeling said.
“Research shows that if young people can enjoy and connect with nature at an early age, they are more likely to continue this connection throughout their lives.”
Parks Victoria rangers and education officers will also visit to talk to students about the park, its flora and fauna and how it is managed.
The classroom was first trialled in 2012 and was deemed a great success.
“The feedback from parents and teachers was extremely positive and the children arrived excited to be learning in a new setting,” Mr Wakeling said.
The $90,000 Forest Classroom program is funded by the Coalition Government through the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development Strategic Partnerships and Parks Victoria’s Melbourne Bushfire Protection programs.
