Browse lesson plans and classroom activity sheets to educate students on a range of water-related themes, grouped by year level. You can also browse resources by curriculum area.
For more interactive resources and ideas that students can do at their own pace, including our flagship virtual tours, view our activities for all ages.
Foundation to Year 2
Calling all frogs
Explore local frog calls and lifecycle stages, using digital applications (including our Frog Census app) to develop students’ ICT skills.
Science, Digital technologies
Puddles the platypus
This activity explores the impact of people and stormwater pollution on platypus and other waterway animals. It can be adapted for other year levels as a writing stimulus.
Science, Geography
Meet the waterbugs
Develop students’ understanding of waterbugs and how they live, with a strong focus on working scientifically to make observations and identifications.
Science
Years 3 to 4
Looking after our water
Simple, hands-on activities to build students’ understanding of the water cycle, alternative water sources, and the importance of using water wisely.
Science, Geography
What ends up at the sewage treatment plant
Learn about sewage’s journey to the plant, and what not to put down drains. This lesson plan can also be used with our guided tours of the Western Treatment Plant.
Science
Stormwater in the urban environment
Explore the journey of stormwater and its impact on waterways. This lesson plan can also be used with our Stormwater Model, available at our Education Centre.
Science, Geography
Turbidity and erosion
Explore the link between turbidity (a measure of water clarity) and erosion, and the impact on the survival of living things in freshwater environments.
Science, Geography
The life of waterbugs
Observe the key features of waterbugs and consider how they are intrinsic to their survival in waterways.
Science, Geography
Meet the frogs
Learn about the different frog species living in Melbourne's distinct waterway ecosystems, and how they've evolved to survive there.
Science, Digital technologies
Litter Trackers project (Years 3-6)
These activities focus on the Litter Trackers project, where 100 bottles containing GPS trackers were released into waterways to trace the journey of litter.
Geography, Digital technologies
Years 5 to 6
From past to present at the Western Treatment Plant
Discover the history of Melbourne’s sewerage system, and the land’s importance to Traditional Owners and the urban water cycle.
Science, History and culture
Why worry about stormwater
Investigate stormwater processes in your local catchment and how it is managed in Melbourne, including Water Sensitive Urban Design practices.
Science, Geography, Digital technologies
Increased nutrients in the waterway
Learn how extra nutrients in common household products impact water quality, upon entering a waterway via the stormwater system.
Science, Geography
Waterbug and platypus adaptations
Explore the different ways waterbugs obtain their oxygen. Identify waterbugs in a sample and draw conclusions about waterway health.
Science, Geography
Frog habitats
Discover where frogs live and what helps them survive there, and learn about the effect of environmental changes on frog populations.
Science, Geography, Digital technologies
Litter Trackers project (Years 3-6)
These activities focus on the Litter Trackers project, where 100 bottles containing GPS trackers were released into waterways to trace the journey of litter.
Geography, Digital technologies
Years 7 to 8
Micro-organisms at work at the sewage treatment plant
Study bacteria in sewage treatment, the effects of aerating water, how gravity transports sewage, and chemicals in laundry detergents.
Science
Western Treatment Plant virtual tour activities
This lesson plan is designed for students visiting the plant – in person or via our virtual tour.
Geography
Raingardens: managing our stormwater
Learn how raingardens protect rivers and creeks from stormwater pollution, and how you can build one.
Geography
Exploring our frogs
Study your local frogs to learn about biological classification, ecosystem processes and humans’ impact on the environment.
Science, Digital technologies
Identifying waterbugs
Explore the identification, classification and feeding relationships of organisms using local waterbugs – key indicators of waterway health.
Science
Fishways: managing our waterways
Discover the history of the artificial Dights Falls weir, its impact on native fish, and the site's importance to the traditional owners.
Geography, History and culture
Litter Trackers project (Years 7-10)
These activities focus on the Litter Trackers project, where 100 bottles containing GPS trackers were released into waterways to trace the journey of litter.
Science, Geography
Years 9 to 10
Saving our frogs
Students focus on the biology and ecology of two threatened frog species, learning how frog populations are managed to enhance recovery.
Science
Using data to manage our frogs
Focusing on the growling grass frog, students learn about urbanisation and frog biology to identify future urban growth hotspots impacting habitat.
Geography, Digital technologies
Cleaning up sewage
Focus on sewage treatment at the Western Treatment Plant: key processes, biogas, the nitrogen cycle, dissolved oxygen and aquatic ecosystems.
Science, Geography
Litter Trackers project (Years 7-10)
These activities focus on the Litter Trackers project, where 100 bottles containing GPS trackers were released into waterways to trace the journey of litter.
Science, Geography
River Detectives
The River Detectives sustainability program supports teachers to explore their local rivers and creeks with students.