This classroom activity uses a scenario of developing a management plan for a State forest, which allows a range of uses of a forest area while protecting rare or threatened species. Students work in groups representing a range of stakeholders having input into the plan. This activity can be done at a range of depths, from a simple diagram or presentation summarising options, possible consequences, and recommendations through to a higher-level document with many pages of detailed plans, summaries of information, and maps. While the open-ended nature of the activity can cater for a wide range of ability levels, teachers should provide appropriate guidelines as to the minimum requirements of the reports produced by students. Teachers should also use their judgement as to the degree of facilitation or assistance they provide to students in interpreting the information presented in maps and text.
Teachers can assist lower-level students in interpreting the species profiles.
The main sections of importance are the Biology and Ecology , Habitat , Conservation Status and Distribution , and Management and Threats . The summary at the start of the profile can assist students to identify relevant information. Students at low levels could complete the activities at a very basic level using this as the only information specific to each species. Students present their Sate forest management plan to the rest of the class. Suggestions for types of presentations are given in the Resource sheet.