Information for Schools
The Darebin Creek Education Program (DCEP) seeks to engage schools and the community in valuing and protecting their local waterways. We run creek education activities that are locally based, hands-on and engaging. Our creek education excursions and incursions are free thanks to funding from your local council. Contact us to arrange a visit to your school or an excursion to your local creek or river, or to the Darebin Parklands in Alphington. The DCEP is run by Darebin Creek Management Committee.
Activities available include:
Other activities include: Creek Cleanups, Food Webs, and Nestbox Habitats (at Darebin Parklands, Alphington).
Most activities can be brought to your school as an incursion or as an excursion to a suitable nearby location along the Darebin, Findon or Hendersons Creeks.
DCMC can offer this program free to schools and community groups thanks to ongoing funding from Whittlesea, Darebin and Banyule councils.
For enquiries contact Peter or Therese on 9499 4454 or email info@dcmc.org.au
What Is That Waterbug?
Students investigate waterbugs (freshwater macroinvertebrates) that live in the Darebin Creek. They use spoons to catch waterbugs from creek water in trays, and identify bugs using supplied charts. The type and number of bugs identified will give the students clues about the health of the wetland or creek. A very popular activity!
Water Testing
Students become real life water scientists by investigating the health of water from the creek. They get their own samples of water straight from the creek and conduct a number of different tests including temperature, pH, salinity and turbidity using a scientific testing kit. Students discuss their results and the effects of water pollution.
The Catchment Story
Students dress up and role-play people living along the Darebin Creek. Characters add different pollutants to “The Darebin Creek” and we discover that if a lot of people add a little bit of pollution, we get an unhealthy creek. A memorable activity and a great introduction to the topics we cover.
Fascinating Frogs
Tune in to the sounds of a noisy wetland and join the excitement of listening to and identifying the frogs of Melbourne. Using large pictures and pre-recorded frog breeding calls, students learn about the frogs that live in their local creeks and wetlands.
Note: we don’t use live frogs.
School Expression of Interest Form
Please note that availability will be confirmed once we receive your request.