Great White Dive Adventure: AUS Year 5-7
Australian curriculum-aligned shark biology exploration scenarios.
- Research great white shark behaviour and human interaction data
- Understand the difference between culling and conservation approaches
- Evaluate evidence from multiple perspectives (safety, ecology, ethics)
- Participate in democratic decision-making using evidence
Duration: 3–4 lessons (50 min each)
Engagement Strategy: Virtual research vessel exploration, mock jury trial, evidence-based deliberation
- Access to Salty Sharks Great White Dive Adventure virtual world
- Shark-human interaction data for Australia
- Role cards (marine biologist, surfer, fisher, conservationist, government official)
- Evidence packets for each perspective
- Jury deliberation worksheet
Driving Question
Should Australian beaches have shark nets and drum lines, or should we find alternative ways to coexist with great white sharks?
Project
Students prepare and present evidence for their assigned role in a mock jury trial, then deliberate and reach a verdict as a class.
Curriculum Standard
ACARA Science Year 7: Interactions between organisms (ACSSU112); Civics: Democratic processes and decision-making.
Teacher's Role
- 1 Set up the mock trial scenario and assign roles
- 2 Provide evidence packets and research time
- 3 Facilitate trial proceedings and ensure fair process
- 4 Guide post-trial reflection discussion
Student's Role
- 1 Research assigned role and gather supporting evidence
- 2 Prepare a 3-minute opening statement
- 3 Respond to cross-examination questions
- 4 Participate in jury deliberation and reach a group verdict
Assess understanding of shark ecology, perspective-taking, and deliberation skills.
- 1 Opening statement presents clear position with evidence
- 2 Responses to cross-examination show depth of knowledge
- 3 Evidence from the virtual world incorporated into arguments
- 4 Active and respectful participation in deliberation
- 5 Written verdict explanation is well-reasoned and evidence-based
Research the shark culling debate in another country (South Africa, Reunion Island) and compare approaches.
- Research great white shark behaviour and human interaction data
- Understand the difference between culling and conservation approaches
- Evaluate evidence from multiple perspectives (safety, ecology, ethics)
- Participate in democratic decision-making using evidence
Duration: 3–4 lessons (50 min each)
Engagement Strategy: Virtual research vessel exploration, mock jury trial, evidence-based deliberation
- Access to Salty Sharks Great White Dive Adventure virtual world
- Shark-human interaction data for Australia
- Role cards (marine biologist, surfer, fisher, conservationist, government official)
- Evidence packets for each perspective
- Jury deliberation worksheet
Driving Question
Should Australian beaches have shark nets and drum lines, or should we find alternative ways to coexist with great white sharks?
Project
Students prepare and present evidence for their assigned role in a mock jury trial, then deliberate and reach a verdict as a class.
Curriculum Standard
ACARA Science Year 7: Interactions between organisms (ACSSU112); Civics: Democratic processes and decision-making.
Teacher's Role
- 1 Set up the mock trial scenario and assign roles
- 2 Provide evidence packets and research time
- 3 Facilitate trial proceedings and ensure fair process
- 4 Guide post-trial reflection discussion
Student's Role
- 1 Research assigned role and gather supporting evidence
- 2 Prepare a 3-minute opening statement
- 3 Respond to cross-examination questions
- 4 Participate in jury deliberation and reach a group verdict
Assess understanding of shark ecology, perspective-taking, and deliberation skills.
- 1 Opening statement presents clear position with evidence
- 2 Responses to cross-examination show depth of knowledge
- 3 Evidence from the virtual world incorporated into arguments
- 4 Active and respectful participation in deliberation
- 5 Written verdict explanation is well-reasoned and evidence-based
Research the shark culling debate in another country (South Africa, Reunion Island) and compare approaches.