Environmental Education Programs in Victoria: Hands-On Learning About Sustainability for Schools

Victorian schools are increasingly focusing on environmental and sustainability education as a core part of their curriculum. With climate change and environmental concerns becoming more urgent, teachers are looking for engaging, hands-on ways to help students develop environmental awareness and sustainable practices.

Victoria offers an impressive range of environmental education programs for students of all ages—from early learning through Year 12. These programs give students opportunities to connect with nature, understand environmental challenges, and build practical sustainability skills through experiential learning.

Why Environmental Education Matters for Students

Research shows that environmental education improves academic performance across subjects while fostering empathy, engagement, and a sense of responsibility toward the planet. Environmental education helps students:

• Build a connection with the natural world
• Understand complex environmental systems and challenges
• Develop critical thinking skills through real-world problem-solving
• Take positive action to improve sustainability within their communities
• Prepare for future careers in environmental science and conservation

Types of Environmental Education Programs in Victoria

Victoria's environmental education offerings fall into several categories:

Environmental Education by Year Level

Early Learning and Primary (K-6)

Programs for younger students focus on sensory exploration and building emotional connections with nature. Activities are playful and incorporate storytelling, art, and simple hands-on investigations. Jollybops Science's Environmental Science program uses engaging demonstrations with a "jolly professor" and "rusty the robot" to help Years 3-6 students understand factors affecting our environment, including earth, air, and water systems.

Middle Years (7-10)

Programs for middle years students build on basic environmental understanding with more complex concepts and investigations. Students engage in field research, environmental monitoring, and sustainability projects that encourage critical thinking. Kryal Castle Education offers customizable programs where educators can design a visit that incorporates environmental and historical learning, allowing students to explore how human societies have interacted with their environments throughout history.

Senior Secondary (11-12)

Advanced programs for senior students align with VCE Environmental Science and other related subjects. These programs often include more sophisticated field research techniques, data analysis, and opportunities to explore environmental career pathways.

Key Subject Connections

Environmental education programs in Victoria connect with multiple curriculum areas. This cross-curricular approach helps students make connections between environmental issues and other areas of learning.:

• Science: 108 programs focus on scientific concepts, natural systems, and ecological principles
• Humanities & Social Sciences: 93 programs explore human relationships with the environment, indigenous perspectives, and sustainability issues
• Physical Education: 65 programs combine outdoor education with environmental learning
• The Arts: 53 programs incorporate creative expression to explore environmental themes
• Technologies: 23 programs examine how technology can address environmental challenges

Planning Your Environmental Education Experience

When selecting an environmental education program for your school, consider:

Booking Your Environmental Education Program

• Browse the environmental education offerings on EdTripper
• Filter programs by year level, subject area, location, and other criteria
• Review program details, including learning objectives and curriculum connections
• Select your date and check availability
• Make your enquiry through the secure online system
• Receive confirmation and pre-visit information to prepare your students

Making Environmental Education a Priority

Environmental education is not just another subject—it's preparation for the challenges facing our planet and communities. By providing students with immersive, hands-on environmental learning experiences, Victorian schools are equipping the next generation with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to create a more sustainable future. With the diverse range of high-quality environmental education programs available across Victoria, there's never been a better time to integrate environmental learning into your school curriculum.

Explore the complete range of environmental education programs available to Victorian schools on the EdTripper platform, and help your students develop a deeper connection with our natural world.