Structure 

This excursion package includes a 20 minute presentation focusing on sharks and their unique adaptations, followed by a Glass Bottom Boat ride across the shark aquarium for a unique perspective and expert commentary. Students not on the boat can explore nearby exhibits & complete worksheets.

To finish, students regroup and complete a tour through the underwater tunnel (shark aquarium), giving the opportunity to consolidate knowledge and ask any final questions.

Remaining time of your excursion is self-guided.

Key Topics & Content:

The guided portion of your excursion will cover; observable features used to classify sharks, cultural perceptions of sharks, current threats to shark populations, and the unique adaptations of sharks.

Specifically, your Ocean Guide will provide an overview of the specialised senses of sharks; give examples of shark diversity and adaptations by comparing AQWA’s shark species; and examine how the form of shark teeth affects their function. Dependent upon year group, presentation can be modified to include homeostasis and the specialised functions of organs/cells, upon teacher request.

Curriculum Strands & Sub-Strands:

• Science Understanding – Biological Sciences
• Science as a Human Endeavour – Use and influence of science, Nature and development of science
• Science Inquiry Skills – Processing and analysing data and information

Bookings:

Available Monday-Friday during WA school term, at the session times indicated on the booking calendar.

You can arrive for your Excursion from 9am; please nominate your approximate arrival time in the booking form. Please note: students should already be checked-in,  assembled and ready to meet your Ocean Guide at least 10 minutes prior to your booked session time.

Booking request is not confirmed until you receive a booking acceptance by email. Our Bookings Manager may contact you for further information.

Students:

Suitable for students in years 7 – 10.

There is a minimum of 16 students to book this package and a maximum of 36 students per session.

Have more students? Set the Student Number to the session maximum (36) and please request your approximate number of students in the Special Requests section of the booking form. Our Bookings Manager will contact you to confirm how we can schedule your group.

Teachers and Helpers:

*FOC teachers/helpers do not receive a Glass Bottom Boat ride. Please ensure a teacher/helper is available to supervise the students that remain in the exhibit areas during the Glass Bottom Boat rotations.

AQWA Excursions include free of charge Teachers and Supervisory Helpers at the following year-group ratios:

• Years K to 2 – 1 FOC : 5 Students
• Years 3 to 12 – 1 FOC : 10 Students
• Education Support Staff – 1 FOC : 1 Student
• Additional Supervisory Teachers/Helpers – available at current Concession rate.

Bring 3 For The Sea initiative:

Get students excited for their excursion by involving them in our Bring 3 For the Sea initiative! 

• AQWA has teamed up with Containers for Change and we are asking every student and visitor to bring three 10c marked containers with them to donate to the AQWA Foundation.
• This small challenge will support AQWA Foundation’s turtle rehabilitation program AND reduce plastics in the ocean and in landfill. 
• Simply have each student bring 3 eligible containers to donate during your excursion.
• Participating schools receive a free Child Return Pass for each Student and can receive a Certificate of Acknowledgement for helping the AQWA Foundation!
• When you book an AQWA excursion, you can request we post out a free Containers for Change collection bag to start gathering your containers before you visit.