Project-Based Lesson: The Chittering Excursion

Materials Needed

• Computer with internet access
• Printer (optional)
• Word processing software (e.g., Google Docs, Microsoft Word)
• Spreadsheet software (e.g., Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel)
• Presentation or design software (e.g., Canva, Google Slides, Adobe Express)
• Art supplies (Euan's choice: drawing pencils, paints, canvas, pastels, or digital art tablet)
• Notebook or journal and pen
• Access to Google Maps or similar mapping tool

Introduction: The Chittering Challenge

Teacher Note: This lesson is designed as a week-long, project-based learning (PBL) unit. Euan will take on the role of an "Excursion Planner," applying skills from all core subjects to design, budget, and creatively document a hypothetical school trip to Chittering, Western Australia. The goal is application and creativity, not memorization.

Message for Euan: Welcome, Euan! You've been given the exciting task of planning a one-day school excursion to the beautiful Chittering region. Your mission is to handle everything from the budget and itinerary to creating promotional materials and a final artistic reflection. Let's get started!

Part 1: The Excursion Planner (Core Subjects)

Subject: Mathematics (Financial Literacy & Measurement)

Learning Objective:

Euan will design a comprehensive and realistic budget for a one-day excursion, calculating costs for transport, food, and activities. He will also create a timed itinerary, applying skills in measurement (time, distance).

Activity: The Budget & Itinerary

1. Research Transport: Assume you are traveling from your home to Chittering. Using Google Maps, calculate the total return distance in kilometers. Research the cost of hiring a small bus or use a standard government reimbursement rate (e.g., $0.78 per km) to calculate the total fuel/transport cost.
2. Plan Activities: Research at least three free or low-cost activities in the Chittering area. Ideas include hiking at Blackboy Ridge Reserve, visiting a local orchard (research seasonal availability and entry fees), or a picnic at a scenic spot. Document any associated costs.
3. Budget for Food: Create a food budget for one person. You can choose to budget for a packed lunch from home (calculate grocery costs) or for buying lunch at a local Chittering cafe (research menu prices online). Include snacks and water.
4. Create the Master Spreadsheet: Using Google Sheets or Excel, create a spreadsheet that clearly lists all expenses (Transport, Activities, Food, Contingency Fund of 10%). Use formulas to calculate subtotals and a grand total for the excursion.
5. Build the Itinerary: In the same document or a separate one, create a detailed, timed schedule for the day. Example: 8:00 AM Departure, 9:15 AM Arrive at Blackboy Ridge, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Hike & Field Study, etc. Account for travel time between locations.

Assessment:

The completed budget spreadsheet is evaluated for accuracy, logical organization, and the use of formulas. The itinerary is evaluated for its realism and clarity.

Extension:

Calculate the 'per-person' cost if the excursion was for a group of 15 students. How would this change the transport and food budget?

Subject: English (Persuasive Writing & Narrative)

Learning Objective:

Euan will create a persuasive travel brochure to promote his excursion and write a creative narrative from the perspective of someone on the trip.

Activity: The Brochure & Trip Journal

1. Design a Persuasive Brochure: Using Canva or similar software, design a tri-fold brochure to "sell" your Chittering excursion to other students. It must include:
   • A catchy title and slogan.
   • Persuasive language describing the sights and activities.
   • Key details from your itinerary (date, time, highlights).
   • At least three compelling images (use copyright-free images from sites like Unsplash or Pexels, searching for "Australian bush," "orchards," etc.).
2. Write a Trip Journal Entry: Write a 500-word creative journal entry or short story. Describe the excursion from a first-person perspective. Don't just list what happened; focus on sensory details. What did the air smell like at the top of Blackboy Ridge? What did the fresh fruit from the orchard taste like? What was a funny or unexpected moment? This is about showing, not telling.

Assessment:

The brochure is evaluated on its persuasive impact, clarity, and design principles. The journal entry is assessed on its use of descriptive language, narrative voice, and creativity.

Subject: Science (Environmental Science & Biology)

Learning Objective:

Euan will research and create a digital field guide for one specific Chittering ecosystem, identifying and describing the relationships between native flora and fauna.

Activity: The Digital Field Guide

1. Choose an Ecosystem: Focus on a specific habitat you would visit on your excursion, like the Wandoo woodland of Blackboy Ridge or the wetlands of Lake Chittering.
2. Research Flora & Fauna: Use the Parks and Wildlife WA website, the Shire of Chittering's resources, and other online databases to identify three native plants and three native animals (including birds or insects) found in that ecosystem.
3. Create the Guide: Using Google Slides or a similar tool, create a 6-8 slide presentation that acts as a digital field guide. Each plant and animal should have its own slide with:
   • A clear image (copyright-free).
   • Its common and scientific name.
   • A brief description of its key features.
   • Its role in the ecosystem (e.g., Is it a food source? A pollinator? A habitat creator?).
4. The Interconnection Slide: Create a final slide with a simple diagram or paragraph explaining how two of your chosen species interact (e.g., a honeyeater feeding on the nectar of a grevillea).

Assessment:

The field guide is evaluated for the accuracy of the scientific information, clarity of presentation, and the demonstrated understanding of ecological relationships.

Subject: HASS (History & Geography)

Learning Objective:

Euan will investigate the historical land use and geographical features of Chittering, presenting his findings in a digital story map.

Activity: Then & Now - A Digital Story Map

1. Indigenous History: Research the traditional owners of the Chittering region, the Whadjuk Noongar people. Find out the Noongar name for a key landmark in the area (if available) and learn about the traditional use of one of the plants from your science field guide.
2. European Settlement & Land Use: Research the history of European settlement in Chittering. When was it settled? What were the primary industries (e.g., citrus orchards, farming, mining)? How has the land use changed over time?
3. Create the Story Map: Use Google's My Maps tool. Pin the key locations from your itinerary. In the description box for each pin, add your historical and geographical findings.
   • For your hiking spot: add info on its geological formation and Indigenous significance.
   • For an orchard: add info on the history of the citrus industry in the region.
   • Create a custom map legend to show the different types of locations.

Assessment:

The digital map is evaluated on the quality of research, the effective use of the mapping tool to present information, and the respectful inclusion of both Indigenous and settler histories.

Part 2: The Artist's Reflection (Creative Arts)

Subject: Visual Arts (Landscape & Interpretation)

Learning Objective:

Euan will create a piece of artwork that interprets the Chittering landscape, focusing on conveying a specific mood or feeling rather than just a realistic depiction.

Activity: Chittering Through Your Eyes

1. Gather Inspiration: Look through photos of the Chittering Valley and the places you've researched. Pay attention to the colours, textures, and light. Think about the feeling of the place based on your research: Is it peaceful? Rugged? Abundant? Ancient?
2. Choose Your Medium: Select the art supplies you feel most comfortable with or want to experiment with (pencils, paint, pastels, digital tools, etc.).
3. Create Your Artwork: Produce a finished art piece. The goal is not a perfect photographic copy. Instead, try to capture the *essence* of Chittering. You might choose to:
   • Exaggerate the colours of a sunset over the valley.
   • Focus on the texture of a Wandoo tree's bark in a close-up drawing.
   • Create an abstract piece inspired by the shapes and lines of the landscape.
4. Write an Artist's Statement: In a short paragraph (100-150 words), explain your artwork. Describe why you made the artistic choices you did (e.g., "I used warm, golden colours to show the feeling of the summer sun on the orchards," or "I used rough, jagged lines in my drawing to represent the ruggedness of the hiking trail.").

Assessment:

The artwork is evaluated on effort, creativity, and the intentional use of artistic elements (like colour, line, texture) to convey a mood. The artist's statement is assessed for its clarity and reflection on the creative process.

Conclusion & Showcase

To conclude the project, Euan will present his "Chittering Excursion Portfolio" to you. This includes his budget/itinerary, brochure, journal entry, digital field guide, story map, and artwork. He should be prepared to briefly talk through each component, explaining his process and choices. This is a fantastic way to celebrate his hard work and synthesize the learning across all subjects.