Wood as a Resource (VCE Product Design Unit 1 + VET Building & Construction)

Program Overview

On this tour of Toolangi State Forest, learn about the forest ecosystems and how they are managed for multiple uses, including the provision of timber resources. Explore how environmental factors can affect timber quality and quantity, discuss the sustainability choices available to timber manufacturing industries and consumers, the value of native forests and the environmental legislation that protects them, economic influences, and the impacts of logging on wildlife and endangered species.

The Full Day (4 hour) program includes visitation to:

• Mountain Ash forest where timber is sourced
• Clear felled logging coupe that was recently harvested
• Protected Cool Temperate Rainforest
• Endangered species habitat

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 micro organisations. 

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 Manager if there is no room on the coach for our educators, and travel fee of $0.88 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

VCE PRODUCT DESIGN UNIT 1
AOS 1 Outcome 1

• The environmental, economic and social impacts associated with the origin/source, manufacture
• Impacts of unsustainable products and resource use on environmental, social and economic systems

VET Building and Construction CPCCCM1012A

• Follow workplace procedures according to instructions given and report information only at own level of responsibility, including:
  • ­complying with environmental/sustainability legislation, and organisational and  procedural requirements relevant to specific daily responsibilities
  • ­ participating in and supporting an improved environmental use of resources

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