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Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars across mobile, desktop, and room systems. Zoom Rooms is the original software-based conference room solution used around the world in board, conference, huddle, and training rooms, as well as executive offices and classrooms. Founded in 2011, Zoom helps businesses and organizations bring their teams together in a frictionless environment to get more done.

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Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars across mobile, desktop, and room systems. Zoom Rooms is the original software-based conference room solution used around the world in board, conference, huddle, and training rooms, as well as executive offices and classrooms. Founded in 2011, Zoom helps businesses and organizations bring their teams together in a frictionless environment to get more done.

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Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars across mobile, desktop, and room systems. Zoom Rooms is the original software-based conference room solution used around the world in board, conference, huddle, and training rooms, as well as executive offices and classrooms. Founded in 2011, Zoom helps businesses and organizations bring their teams together in a frictionless environment to get more done.

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Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars across mobile, desktop, and room systems. Zoom Rooms is the original software-based conference room solution used around the world in board, conference, huddle, and training rooms, as well as executive offices and classrooms. Founded in 2011, Zoom helps businesses and organizations bring their teams together in a frictionless environment to get more done.

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Use the Online Learning Gallery to add your ideas and also select resources you find useful from the array of presenters & supporters part of the festival.

You can download the resources from this gallery. You can also add a 'like' by clicking on the heart at the bottom of each tile. This will give us a great idea of what you find useful and interesting!

You can also add your comments and affirmations for presenters and partner organisations in the comments.

Let's remember to be kind, helpful & specific with any feedback and comments.

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A space to add your own links, ideas and comments

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A space to add your own links, ideas and comments

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A huge assortment of fun and informative videos!

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The Port Phillip EcoCentre is a vibrant community hub reconnecting people to the natural world, and building relationships to inspire, educate and demonstrat...

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Boon Wurrung Foundation

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Keynote - Oscar Baldacchino

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Our Catchment: The whole world connected by water

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Our Catchment: The whole world connected by water

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"Our Catchment" shows how multiple perspectives give us a better opportunity to strengthen the community effort to sustain long-term environmental well-being.

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OUR CATCHMENT ~ The Whole World Connected by Water

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Bayside City Council and City of Port Phillip

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Check out our range of engaging online incursions, available to schools in term 4. From sharks to seadragons to nest boxes, we've got it covered.

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Marine Ecology & Port Phillip Bay
Online Incursions
Explore marine ecosystems and human impacts, learn about our local sharks and rays population, and uncover our diverse native species through virtual snorkelling.
Find out more.

Urban Biodiversity
Online Incursions
Get up close with our local biodiversity, learn how to create habitat for native species, and find out how the littlest creatures support our huge ecosystem.
Find out more.

Sustainable Living
Online Incursions
Take action on climate change, learn how to take part in the war on waste, and find out how worms play a crucial role in creating sustainable communities.
Find out more.

Program Design

Your students will participate in a range of activities through Zoom, including video delivery and online Q&As with our educators. We deliver our activities through the ' head, heart, hand ' approach to connect students to sustainable living choices and encouraging them to value and care for environmental systems.

Our activities have been designed to:

Engage with our Environmental Educators to deepen students understanding of local natural environments and stimulate thinking about innovative solutions to issues that arise.

Explore local environments through place based, hands on inquiry learning focussing on marine ecosystems.

Explain biodiversity and marine issues based on information gathered and innovative solutions that could address the issues.

Elaborate ideas by sketching designs

Evaluate designs and ideas through sharing and giving constructive feedback.

Learning Intentions

Understand how sustainable practices and actions at home and school can positively or negatively impact locally and globally.

Gain an understanding of the impact of human influences on the broader environment

Gain an understanding of methods to reduce our impact on energy, soil and water and other planetary systems

Be able to think of creative solutions to problems presented

Be able to work collaboratively with others to solve a problem

Be able to express ideas as part of a group

Be able to design using a STEAM lens

"Our class truly loved the session and told us they learnt things they didn't know before. We had a child attend who is often quite easily distracted, but the EcoCentre Educator was able to engage the entire class the whole time. Thanks so much again!"

- Early Childhood Teacher

Logistics

This incursion is delivered online using Zoom, unless specified otherwise. A teacher and class can join the session from the classroom or remotely from home. A meeting link and instructions will be sent out with the booking confirmation. Minimum group size is 20, maximum group size is 50.

An invoice will be forwarded after the incursion is completed. Please book your incursion at least 7 days in advance - we are unable to accept last-minute bookings.

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Marine Ecology & Port Phillip Bay Online Incursions Explore marine ecosystems and human impacts, learn about our local sharks and rays population, and uncover our diverse native species through virtual snorkelling. Find out more.

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The world is fast-changing, and frogs are among the many creatures struggling to keep up. They face many threats in the wild, from habitat loss to predatory species. Through lots of nature-based learning activities, such as building frog bogs, we can make a difference to our amphibian friends. A frog bog is among the many conservation-themed activities to get kids excited about science. With a few[...]

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Reptile Shows Melbourne - Wildlife Up Close - Reptile Encounters

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The world is fast-changing, and frogs are among the many creatures struggling to keep up. They face many threats in the wild, from habitat loss to predatory species. Through lots of nature-based learning activities, such as building frog bogs, we can make a difference to our amphibian friends.

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Contribute to catalogue biodiversity data in our city!

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Contribute to catalogue biodiversity data in our city! NatureSpot is open for community contributions throughout summer (Nov 2020 - Jan 2021). Keep on spotting! Record your spots here! Take some time to observe and connect to nature and tell us what plants and animals live in your neighbourhood!

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Keynote Presentation: Ella Simons (Albert Park College)

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Keynote Presentation: Ella Simons (Albert Park College)

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After hearing about expansive amounts of plastic waste in every ocean, Baykeeper Neil Blake discovers the sands of his local beaches are also turning into a kind of micro-plastic confetti.

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Data makes a difference! The Port Phillip Baykeeper 'Street to Sea Litter Audit' combines the approaches of major litter researchers into a method that can be completed during your clean-up in less than an hour.

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Baykeeper 'Street to Sea Litter Audit' - beach method

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Contribute to our Street2Bay project by downloading this data sheet and completing a street litter audit.

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Everyday people (including students) are recording aspects of the environment, so qualified scientists can answer the big questions! :) Why don't you join us!

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Baykeeper Citizen Science (EcoCentre/ Neil Blake OAM/ Bronnie Walsh)

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Contribute to our Street2Bay project by downloading this data sheet and completing a litter audit of your school grounds.

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First step on how to construct a bat tube (nest box for mirco-bats). The full step-by-step guide can be found on our EcoCentre TV Youtube channel

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Bat Tube nest box plans  - Step 1 (EcoCentre/ Gio Fitzpatrick)

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Plastic pollution in Melbourne - what can we do about it?

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Plastic pollution in Melbourne - what can we do about it?

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Watch our video with some cool aerial footage of Melbourne and the bay!

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The Litter Trackers: Reducing Littering by Education

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The Litter Trackers: Reducing Littering by Education

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Bottles containing GPS trackers will be released in various creeks and rivers together with schools and community groups to simulate the movement of litter.

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Litter trackers - Elster Creek | RMIT University

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Our local sharks are amazing! Check out this shark egg! (thanks Ben!)

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Online Incursions: Sharks & Rays of Port Phillip Bay

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Humans have long been entrusted to protect Nairm (Port Phillip Bay). N'arweet Carolyn Briggs, Boon Wurrung Elder, shares the Time of Chaos story which tells how Nairm was formed and why we must continue to protect it.

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Explore Port Phillip Bay -  or Naarm (in local Boon Wurrung language!)

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Explore Port Phillip Bay -  or Naarm (in local Boon Wurrung language!)

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10 wonderful videos and fact sheets!

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Explore the Bay - Connected to Port Phillip

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I live a rather solitary life in the deeper parts of Port Phillip Bay but I aggregate in shallow waters in different parts of the Bay (e.g. St Leonards, Blairgowrie, Rye) at certain times of year.

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A Little Bit of Litter (Official Music Video)

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A Little Bit of Litter (Official Music Video)

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Watch as MOOP Patrol and Nicole Joy take on MC Guttermouth and clean up his act.

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A Little Bit of Litter (Official Music Video)

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Bush Medicine Walk - excursion to Karlu Karlu

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9:40am // St James Catholic Parish Primary School

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9:40am // St James Catholic Parish Primary School

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Ocean Acidificiation: the only time when being basic is better!

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The MacRobertson Girls High School - Ocean Acidification.mov

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Beaumaris Primary School - Drains to the Bay Project .pptx

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APPS Sustainable Schools Festival Video v2.mp4

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9:55am // Boroondara Park Primary School

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9:55am // Boroondara Park Primary School

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St Kilda Park PS School Presentation - Gala's Garden.mp4

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Every Small Change can Make a Big Difference!

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ST KILDA PARK PS_ Every Small Thing Makes a Big Difference - Copy.mp4

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Mini enviro projects to keep you busy in iso

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12:15pm // Sandringham East Primary School

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12:15pm // Sandringham East Primary School

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Sandringham East - Mini enviro projects 4 iso.mp4

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12:45pm // St Columbas Primary School - Climate Choir

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12:45pm // St Columbas Primary School - Climate Choir

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Homepage - Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots Australia

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Empower, educate and train the next generation of nature advocates and environmentalists

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'Port Phillip Bay' Song Lyrics - St Columbas PS

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'Port Phillip Bay' Song Lyrics - St Columbas PS

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Please enjoy this story and song about Port Phillip Bay by St Columbas Primary School. This song was grown from the knowledge, ideas, discoveries and learnings of the children and teachers of grade 3 / 4 at St. Columba’s Primary School 2019 in conjunction with their work with Sharron from the City of Port Phillip Eco Centre! Special credit to teacher Chris Lazzaro for his songwriting skills.

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Port Phillip Bay Song - St Columbas Primary School

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Thank you So much I learnt a lot about bush medicine today so Thank you

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Great job
it was very good and I learnt so much. Well done to the others that did not share to.

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You can help scientists classifying animals from all around the world through the internet on Zooniverse in the biology project section: https://www.zooniverse.org/projects?discipline=biology&page=1&status=live

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The Zooniverse is the world's largest and most popular platform for people-powered research.

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Good job guys,I know you all put time and effort into it so good job.By the way it was epic.

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If you're interested in supporting this action, you can ask your parents/guardians for support to sign this petition.

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Help get Ash on the AGL Board of Directors

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It's time for fresh vision and true climate leadership at AGL - that's why Greenpeace Australia Pacific is proud to endorse 18-year-old climate activist Ashjayeen Sharif's campaign to join the AGL board.

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How to have your voice for sustainable actions by writing to MPs and letting them know what you care about and why you think some decisions are better than others. https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/how-to-write-an-effective-letter-to-your-mp/

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How to have your voice for sustainable actions by writing to MPs and letting them know what you care about and why you think some decisions are better than others. https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/how-to-write-an-effective-letter-to-your-mp/

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Contacting your Member of Parliament (MP) will help strengthen the voice for climate change action in Australia by letting them know what you care about and why you think some decisions are better than others.

Our MPs are there to listen to the views of the public, understand your perspective, and represent you in Parliament. The more people who contact their local MP on a given topic (e.g. climate change), the more likely this matter will be raised. As one of their constituents, your opinion holds a lot of weight, as based on your vote, they will win or lose elections.

Letters are one of the most simple and effective ways to engage your Member of Parliament about an issue you care about.

Don't put it off any longer - learn how to write to your MP today!

Who do I contact?

You can search for your local member and find out how to contact them here. While it is most effective to contact your local MP, you could also consider contacting your state's Senators or the Minister whose portfolio relates to your topic area (e.g. Environment Minister or Energy Minister).

Make sure you use your MP's correct title and contact details. You can find them here, in the document titled Mail Labels for Members: All Members Electorate Offices.

Set out the name and address of your MP in the top left-hand corner of the page. As a general rule, MPs should be addressed 'Mr/Mrs/Dr/Ms, first name initial, last name, MP'. For example:

Dr A. Aly MP

Member for Cowan

PO Box 219

Kingsway WA 6065

Politicians who have been or are government ministers will have the title "The Honourable" prefixing their name. For example, Hon A. N. Albanese MP.

Start your letter as follows: 'Dear Sir/Madam' or 'Dear Mr/Mrs/Dr/Ms Last Name'.

Introduce yourself and your issue

Start the letter by telling your MP who you are and why you are writing to them - make sure you have a specific and focused purpose. In your opening sentence, mention that you are a constituent (a voter!). MPs tend to care more about the people they represent. Remember, they are there to represent you.

What do I write?

If you're unsure about the content of the letter, a great place to start is one of the Climate Council's reports. Our reports are packed with quick and reliable information about climate change, extreme weather impacts, climate solutions and energy policy. Including facts will strengthen your argument and help get your point across in a more convincing manner.

Some topics that you might want to write to your federal MP about include pushing for stronger renewable energy targets, Australia's rising greenhouse gas emissions, or the impact of climate change on intensifying extreme weather events. Make sure that you're concise and not vague.

If your MP has made any positive steps in this area, you can thank them for the action they have already taken. Then articulate what else you would like them to do. Clearly state the facts that highlight the need for urgent further action. Why should they act? Be brief and objective, utilising scientific data to persuade rather than hyperbole or embellishment. You need to tell them, what needs to change and why.
Want to push for climate action at all levels of government? Join the Climate Council today to find out how you can get involved in important campaigns.
Add a personal touch

It's important to explain why the issue is important to you. You can do this by including a relevant personal anecdote or experience. This will help make the issue real and tangible for your MP. Storytelling used in conjunction with statistics is crucial in advocacy as it connects the head and the heart of your MP - helping them understand the need for change both rationally and emotionally. Also let them know that their stance on this issue affects the way you vote. You can also emphasise that others within your electorate care about this issue as well.

For example, you could share how you've been impacted by the drought or bushfires, which are intensifying as a result of climate change. Or you could share about why taking action on climate change is important to you. Or describe the type of Australia that you would like to see.

Include an Ask

To bring about change, you need facts and anecdotes about the issue, but ultimately, you need action. Be clear on what action you want your MP to take. This could include actions such as making a speech in parliament, raising the issue at a meeting, voting for or against something in parliament, or attending a local event.

While presenting facts and information is important, your letter is more effective if you can ask your MP to take a specific action as well. Some actions that you might ask your MP to take:

Voting for or against a particular Bill. If you think amendments are required to a given Bill, you can also ask them to raise amendments (make sure you're clear about what these are!).

Speaking about the issue in Parliament to raise awareness of the issue.

Asking a question in Parliament to gain extra information on an issue or raise its profile.

Raising the issue with the relevant Minister or Shadow Minister or portfolio holder. If other MPs are also raising the issue, this demonstrates that there is community concern for the issue.

Talking about the issue in the media to help raise its profile.

Follow up

Finish the letter by saying that you look forward to receiving their reply. Provide your contact details so the MP can respond. Be patient as you wait for a reply - politicians lead busy lives! Wait one month, then call your MP's office to remind them of your letter and ask when you may expect a response. If you still don't hear back from them for another two weeks, try again. Be both persistent and polite.
SEE OUR TEMPLATE HERE
Keep it brief

Letters should be no longer than one page and should be about one issue only. Be as concise as possible. Politicians receive hundreds of letters from constituents every day. A lengthy message that covers lots of unrelated topics is more likely to be overlooked. In contrast; a concise and focused letter can be a powerful one.

Be passionate and polite

MPs are likely to be more receptive to a polite letter, and more engaged based on the passion of your writing. Remember that your MP is a human, not just a name on paper.

Make your letter stand out!

Your goal is to make your letter stand out and be noticeable. This can be achieved by referring to a recent related news story or offering to provide a positive photo opportunity for your MP during their campaign. This can be articulated, 'If you support stronger renewable energy targets, I would like to meet with you so that we can do some local media on the issue'.
Keen to discover other ways you can use the power of your voice? Check out Chapter 2 in our Climate Action Toolkit.
By Climate Council / 29 March 2018

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How to Write an Effective Letter to your MP - Climate Council

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Contacting your Member of Parliament (MP) will help strengthen the voice for climate change action in Australia by letting them know what you care about and why you think some decisions are better than others. Our MPs are there to listen to the views of the public, understand your perspective, and represent you in Parliament.

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Plant trees while using this search engine: https://www.ecosia.org/

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Plant trees while using this search engine: https://www.ecosia.org/

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Ecosia - the search engine that plants trees

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Ecosia uses the ad revenue from your searches to plant trees where they are needed the most. By searching with Ecosia, you're not only reforesting our planet, but you're also empowering the communities around our planting projects to build a better future for themselves. Give it a try!

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This is just a place to say thank you! It was amazing! Don't forget to comment and like to thank EcoSystem. I learnt so much new knowledge!
😊

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https://ecocentre.com/incursions/online/marine  Check out the rest of our online incursions here! (including online snorkeling!)

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https://ecocentre.com/incursions/online/marine  Check out the rest of our online incursions here! (including online snorkeling!)

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Your students will participate in a range of activities through Zoom, including video delivery and online Q&As with our educators. We deliver our activities through the ' head, heart, hand ' approach to connect students to sustainable living choices and encouraging them to value and care for environmental systems.

30 Million Years in Melbourne
In this program, students will learn about how Melbourne has changed in the last 30 million years. By understanding the fundamental basics of plate tectonics and what once lived in the greater Melbourne region, students will be able to make sense of deep-time and how evolution works.
Find out more.

Sharks and Rays of Port Phillip Bay
This program introduces students to the fauna of Port Phillip Bay and southern Australia, specifically chondrichthyans (fish with a cartilaginous skeleton) by understanding their habitats, known life cycles, functional morphology (anatomy) and their diverse evolutionary traits. Additionally, students will learn about the geological history of Port Phillip Bay, and the ways that humans impact shark and ray populations and habitats in the Bay.
Find out more.

The Penguins of Australia
This program introduces students to the incredible anatomy of penguins and the species residing within all known Australian landmasses (including sub-antarctic territories). In this online talk, we'll be understanding their behaviour/habits, known life-cycles, functional morphology (anatomy) and their diverse evolutionary traits that have allowed many penguin species to dominate southern marine ecosystems.
Find out more.

Online Snorkeling
A rare opportunity to join the EcoCentre's Marine experts team and dive into the secrets of Port Phillip Bay. Find out what lies beneath in our blue backyard, and bring your best questions about snorkeling, diving and what calls our Bay home.
Find out more.

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Online Incursions: Marine Ecology & Port Phillip Bay

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Your students will participate in a range of activities through Zoom, including video delivery and online Q&As with our educators.