This lesson plan helps students to understand the journey of stormwater run-off from urban areas, and its impact on the ecological health of our rivers, creeks and bays.
Download the lesson plan
This lesson plan contains modules explicitly linked to the Victorian Curriculum. It has also been adapted into an excursion tour kit that can be used in conjunction with Melbourne Water's Stormwater Interactive Model, accessible during visits to our Edithvale-Seaford Wetland Education Centre.
Activities
Activity 1: Stormwater detectives
Using a Photo hunt and Drainage system audit, students identify ways in which stormwater is managed at school and at home.
Activity 2: Water’s urban journey
Students create a visual flow chart to show the journey of water through the stormwater system and consider solutions for avoiding and reducing stormwater pollution.
Activity 3: Raindrop adventure
Students create a storyboard adventure of a raindrop in Melbourne travelling in the stormwater system.
Stormwater story
In this additional activity, students consider the different pollutants that can enter a river along its journey, and the cumulative impact they have on the health of the river and Port Phillip Bay. They will also be able to discuss how everyone can take action to reduce the impacts of stormwater pollution.
Victorian curriculum links
- VCGGK082: Types of natural vegetation and the significance of vegetation to the environment, the importance of environments to animals and people, and different views on how they can be protected; the use and management of natural resources and waste, and different views on how to do this sustainably
Geography > Geographical knowledge > Diversity and significance of places and environments - VCGGK083: Similarities and differences in individuals’ and groups’ feelings and perceptions about places, and how they influence views about the protection of these places
Geography > Geographical knowledge > Diversity and significance of places and environments - VCSSU056: Science knowledge helps people to understand the effects of their actions
Science > Science understanding > Science as a human endeavour - VCSSU044: Objects are made of materials that have observable properties
Science > Science understanding > Chemical sciences
Resources
River health and monitoring
We monitor rivers and creeks so we know if their condition changes or our improvement programs need adjusting. Learn how we assess river health and view current data.
Be a citizen scientist
Get involved in exploring and protecting your local waterway and natural environment with our citizen science programs.
From drain to bay: stormwater management
Check out our raingardens, stormwater and drainage pages:
