Investigating Science at Taronga Zoo

The Preliminary Course for Year 11 Investigating Science (ISCI) required students to complete Depth Studies as part of the syllabus. This was brought to life through an engaging excursion to Taronga Zoo. Throughout the day, students learnt directly from scientists and gained a deeper appreciation for the role of observation in scientific work. They conducted both qualitative and quantitative observations of the animals in Taronga’s care, highlighted by an up‑close and personal seal show that offered a captivating look at animal behaviour. The excursion wrapped up with a scenic ferry ride across Sydney Harbour, providing a memorable end to a rich and rewarding scientific experience.

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Last Tuesday, our Year 11 ISCI class had the exciting opportunity to visit Taronga Zoo as part of our learning about observing animal behaviour. It was a valuable and enjoyable learning experience that helped bring our studies to life in a real world setting as we prepare for our next assessment task. 

Throughout the day, we were able to explore the zoo and observe the wide variety of animals and their habitats that the zoo has to offer. Watching how the animals interact with each other and their environments gave us a deeper understanding of behavioural patterns that we have begun to learn in class. 

We also got to attend the interactive shows where we were able to see the animals up close and learn more about their unique traits, behaviours and the training processes which the animals undergo at the zoo in order to prepare for those experiences. We also sat in on an informative slideshow presentation presented by the zookeepers at Taronga, who shared their knowledge and experiences working with the animals. This gave us an insight into how animal behaviour is monitored and cared for within the zoo setting. 

Overall, the excursion was both educational and enjoyable. It allowed us to apply our learning in a meaningful way and sparked a greater appreciation for wildlife and the processes and care that is taken into looking after the animals and their conservation. It was a memorable experience that will be used in future studies. 

Ciara Ancevski
Year 11