A brand new educational resource that teaches WA children about WA frogs and their precious ecosystems – to be provided free to more than 800 WA schools – was launched at the Western Australian Museum today.
The Frog Watch Schools Kit is a teacher’s resource containing four big, colourful books and a poster, aimed at encouraging students to become ambassadors for frogs, biodiversity and the environment. Looking at frog species found in the South West of WA, including Perth, it is the latest initiative from the Frog Watch program developed jointly by the WA Museum and Alcoa.
WA Museum CEO Alec Coles said learning about frogs and the wetlands that support them is a great way to learn about the delicate balance of nature.
“These resources, developed by teachers for teachers, are designed to help foster an appreciation of the importance of protecting our world, developing an understanding of biodiversity and the need to maintain healthy environments,” Mr Coles said.
Mr Coles said the very successful 15-year Frog Watch partnership between the Museum and Alcoa had resulted in the discovery of eight new frog species, revealed valuable data on species distribution, disseminated research through popular community programs and activities, and led to the creation of the Museum’s award-winning Frog Watch website.
“Frog Watch has captured people’s fascination with frogs and the notion they are indicators of healthy habitats,” Mr Coles said.
“The Frog Watch Schools program enables us to help educate a broad young audience on the importance of ecosystems and biodiversity, and with the new Frog Watch Schools Kit we are doing that by delivering uniquely Western Australian information direct to WA classrooms.”
Alcoa Managing Director Alan Cransberg said engaging children at this early age is critical to helping them understand the importance of creating a sustainable environment.
“Everyone has a role to play in caring for the environment and Frog Watch provides a great opportunity to inform young people about frog ecology, conservation and environmental threats in their local area,” Mr Cransberg said.
“Our 15-year investment in the Frog Watch Program has been one of Alcoa’s many commitments to conserving the environment of the South West.”
The Frog Watch Schools Kit is designed for primary children from kindergarten to Year 6. For more information on the Frog Watch Schools program go to museum.wa.gov.au/frogwatch-schools
Media contacts:
Mara Pritchard
Manager Communications and Media
Western Australian Museum
6552 7803, mara.pritchard@museum.wa.gov.au
Fiona Bell
Alcoa Communications
9316 5102, Fiona.Bell@alcoa.com.au
