Biomes and Food Security (Food and Fibre in the Forest)

  • Forest
  • Human Impacts

Excursion Program Overview

How will we feed a population of 10 billion people while protecting the ecosystems we depend on?

This immersive field-based program takes students beyond the classroom to investigate one of the most significant environmental and social challenges of the 21st century: food security in a changing world.

Set within the diverse forest environments of Toolangi State Forest, students explore the characteristics and distribution of global biomes, investigate the factors that influence food production, and examine the environmental, economic and social challenges involved in sustainably feeding future populations. Through hands-on fieldwork, data collection and inquiry-based learning, students compare different ecosystems, analyse the relationship between climate, soil and productivity, and evaluate competing land-use priorities.

Students investigate topics including:

  • Global biomes and their food production potential
  • Climate, vegetation and ecosystem productivity
  • Sustainable agriculture and regenerative farming practices
  • Water catchments and ecosystem services
  • Forestry, conservation and land management
  • Climate change and future food security
  • Food waste and sustainable consumption
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and land management practices

This program provides authentic opportunities for students to undertake geographical inquiry, collect and analyse field data, evaluate real-world environmental challenges and develop evidence-based responses to complex sustainability issues.

Curriculum Connections

While designed specifically to support the Year 9-10 Geography: Biomes and Food Security unit, this excursion also provides meaningful links to:

  • Geography Knowledge & Understanding
  • Geography Inquiry & Skills
  • Sustainability Cross-Curriculum Priority
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures Cross-Curriculum Priority
  • Science (ecosystems, biodiversity, climate change and environmental systems)

The program’s strong emphasis on inquiry, critical thinking and fieldwork makes it ideal for Geography classes, interdisciplinary sustainability studies, environmental science programs and schools seeking authentic real-world learning experiences.

Students leave with a deeper understanding of the connections between ecosystems, food systems and human wellbeing, and the role they can play in creating a more sustainable future.

Inclusions and Notes

Equipment supplied by Gould League: Safety helmets worn by all participants; workbook and all tools required for fieldwork data collection.

Equipment needed: A chartered bus (which is required to remain with the group at all times). First aid kit, sun screen, insect repellent and PPE including hand sanitiser to kill viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms. Teachers will also need a smartphone, preferably with GNSS capability or GPS.

Please note that our Gould League educators will travel on your bus for the duration of your program time. We ask schools to ensure when booking coaches that 1 one seat is allocated for each group booked as they will provide commentary on the bus to students and guide the bus drivers. Please advise the Bookings Coordinator if there is no room on the coach for our educators, and travel fee of $1 per km will be added to your final invoice. This amount will vary according to the activities undertaken on the day which can vary due to local weather conditions. Maximum travel fee is $40.  This covers the cost of one vehicle only as Gould League Educators will carpool.

Student needs to bring:  Their own water and lunch, sunscreen, a clipboard, pencil, and a copy of the Gould League workbook (usually sent 14 days prior to excursion so copies can be made for students) to guide the forest investigation; bag to take away your rubbish.

Restrictions: This Gould League program is delivered in the Toolangi State Forest, in the North Central Fire District and does not operate on days with a Fire danger rating of Extreme and Catastrophic. On rare occasions, programs may be postponed due to extreme weather predictions involving wind/storms. In both cases, these programs will be rescheduled at the earliest convenience of both parties.

Programs however DO operate during wet/snowy weather. Please contact us to discuss the best timing to optimize your group’s experience and ensure suitable clothing and footwear for the conditions predicted. Plan for wet weather from April-October, and expect temperatures at least 5 degrees colder than suburban Melbourne.

Curriculum Links

Geography: Geographical Knowledge & Understanding
VC2HG10K01
VC2HG10K02
VC2HG10K03
VC2HG10K04
Geography: Geographical Concepts & Skills

  • VC2HG10S01
  • VC2HG10S02
  • VC2HG10S03
  • VC2HG10S04
  • VC2HG10S05
  • VC2HG10S06

Cross-Curriculum Priorities

  • Sustainability
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures

Supporting Learning Areas

  • Science (ecosystems, climate change, biodiversity, soil systems and sustainability)

All six Geography Skills content descriptions are explicitly addressed.

The Victorian Curriculum F-10 content elements are © VCAA, reproduced by permission. Victorian Curriculum F-10 elements accurate at time of publication. The VCAA does not endorse or make any warranties regarding this resource. The Victorian Curriculum  F-10 and related content can be accessed directly at the VCAA website.