Oral history is central to Aboriginal culture and Dreaming Stories are an integral part of Aboriginal life. These stories are used to pass on knowledge and skills to children and adults alike. During the workshop, students will listen to Dreaming Stories about various animals and learn more about the importance of these stories. They will learn about the ways in which Aboriginal People have lived on the land, using native flora and fauna to hunt and gather, making tools and shelter.

During this workshop, students have the opportunity to get up close to a range of native Australian animals and learn about their needs for survival. Students will discover some of their amazing structural and behaviour features and how these adaptations help them to survive throughout their life.

Students can observe birds as they interact with each other and their surroundings at Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo. They will have a chance to meet a wide range of native animals in the workshop, examine their features and identify how they help animals meet all sorts of different needs.

Which living things in our backyards could use a helping hand? In this workshop students will meet a variety of native Australian animals. Many of them can be found in people’s backyards, local parks and reserves and even in your schoolyard. Students will conduct investigations to identify common invertebrates found in gardens and discover and create habitats other native animals.

In this workshop, your students will explore Taronga’s gardens to examine a rich variety of wild invertebrates and meet some of their predators. They will learn to identify different types of invertebrates and discover if they are a pest or a friend.

This workshop is a unique, guided walking tour of the Taronga Western Plains Zoo site. Students will engage with Dreaming stories and cultural learnings while highlighting the strong connections between Aboriginal people and the natural world.

Students will learn how the features and needs of animals change and develop as they move from stage to stage. They will meet animals with unique lifecycles and investigate how they can help overcome the challenges these species face as they develop and grow.

In this workshop students will examine the climate, vegetation and native animals of Australia and Sumatra. They will learn about the importance of habitats for animals and people and discover the ways people value environments, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

In this fascinating workshop, students will develop a design brief for a new animal exhibit by undertaking research and observation of animals in Taronga’s care. They will learn about and consider animal welfare and enrichment, visitor engagement and interpretation, keeper safety and functionality.

Populations of organisms do not remain constant; the number of individuals can increase and decrease over time. Predator and prey relationships contribute to these changes.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo is trialing a new inquiry-based mathematics program in which students will develop their working mathematical skills in a real-life context that is both meaningful and engaging.

Students will learn about the importance of the land’s role in kinship, spirituality and everday life for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. This workshop draws on the location of Taronga Zoo Sydney’s culturally significant sites to explore Aboriginal history and identity while reinforcing a connection to Country.