BHP+-+The+Age+article

Resource: Bogong High Plains - The Age article: The 'why' and the 'how to':
The Reference: Society, V. O. E. (2006). //VCE Outdoor and Environmental Studies Unit Four Teachers Resource Kit//. Melbourne: Victorian Outdoor Education Society.

Key Skill: ‘Evaluate policies applicable to managing and sustaining particular natural environments’ (Learner, 2005).

Resources Required: // Intro: // Investigate the case study of Cattle Grazing in the Alpine National Parks as reported in The Age Article on the Bogong High Plains. This activity is derived from the ‘examples of learning activities’ as suggested in Learner (2005). Specifically; the activity aims at investigating the case study which ‘[has] been the focus of either Environmental Effects Statements and/or Sustainable Management Plans; summarise findings and recommendations’ (Learner, 2005). // Body: // Students should read The Age Article on Cattle Grazing and discuss the effects that grazing has had on this particular ecosystem. One way that a teacher may run a discussion such as this one is to break the class in two and run a debate. The topic could be; Should Cattle Grazing have been banned in Victoria’s High country? One side for Yes, one side for No.
 * Photocopies of The Age Article
 * Whiteboard and marker

The arguments raised by either side should include or relate to policies applicable to managing or sustaining (or both) the environment.

Suggested time spent on debate task: - Preparation 10 – 15 minutes - Debate 10 – 15 minutes (If highly successful then go longer) The teacher’s role can be to note the most important points raised by the students on the white board to keep track of what has been said. End the debate when enough points have been raised. // Conclusion: // Depending on how much time the Debate takes up, the summary of this lesson can be left until a later date. Summarise the main points raised on the white board for students to copy down, and nominate a winning side! Discuss the diversity of strategies raised for managing the use of the Alpine Environment and discuss the impacts that different uses by people can have on this environment. This activity can further elaborate on the effects that differing human activities have on natural environments, and the strategies that are in place for managing these environments, and activities.