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Turtle Beach: AUS Year 7

Australian curriculum-aligned scenarios exploring sea turtle biology and marine conservation.

Australia Year 7 FREE Turtle Beach
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Scenario #1: Turtle Savers Conservation Hackathon
Students participate in a conservation hackathon designing innovative solutions to protect sea turtles along the Australian coastline.
Learning Outcomes
  • Identify key threats to Australian sea turtle populations
  • Apply the design thinking process to develop conservation solutions
  • Evaluate solutions based on feasibility, cost, and environmental impact
  • Collaborate effectively in teams to prototype and pitch ideas
Resources

Duration: 4–5 lessons (50 min each)

Engagement Strategy: Hackathon-style design challenge with the Turtle Beach virtual world as research base

Required:
  • Access to Salty Sharks Turtle Beach virtual world
  • Design thinking process cards
  • Prototyping materials (paper, cardboard, craft supplies)
  • Research tablets or computers
  • Pitch presentation template
Micro PBL

Driving Question

How can we design innovative, low-cost solutions to protect sea turtles on Australian beaches?

Project

Teams design, prototype, and pitch a conservation innovation for a mock conservation grant.

Curriculum Standard

ACARA Science Year 7: Interactions between organisms can be described in terms of food chains and food webs (ACSSU112).

Teacher's Role

  1. 1 Introduce the hackathon format and design thinking framework
  2. 2 Provide real-world case studies of conservation innovations
  3. 3 Facilitate prototyping sessions and provide materials
  4. 4 Organise pitch presentations with guest judges if possible

Student's Role

  1. 1 Research Australian sea turtle threats using the virtual world
  2. 2 Brainstorm and evaluate potential solutions
  3. 3 Build a prototype or detailed design of chosen solution
  4. 4 Prepare and deliver a 5-minute pitch presentation
Assessment
Hackathon Pitch Assessment

Evaluate innovation, feasibility, and presentation quality of conservation solutions.

  1. 1 Solution addresses a real identified threat with evidence
  2. 2 Design is creative and innovative
  3. 3 Feasibility analysis includes cost, materials, and implementation plan
  4. 4 Prototype or detailed design is well-constructed
  5. 5 Pitch presentation is clear, engaging, and persuasive
Extension Activity

Submit the best designs to a real conservation organisation or enter a STEM innovation competition.