The Animal Council

Informed by environmental philosophy, the Animal Council is a transdisciplinary learning experience grounded in Reggio Emilia principles of curiosity, student voice, and authentic inquiry. In this unit, students explored the impact of human actions on the natural world and developed empathy for endangered animals through research, discussion, and hands-on experiences.

Students selected an animal affected by human activity and worked collaboratively to investigate its habitat, challenges, and needs using multimodal resources, including literature, videos, and field experiences such as visits to Albert Park Lake and Werribee Zoo. Through explicit teaching of persuasive writing, they crafted speeches in the voice of their chosen animal, advocating for protection and environmental responsibility.

The learning culminated in a dramatic “Animal Council,” where students embodied their animals through movement, voice, and artistic representation, presenting life-sized creations, masks, and habitats. Their performances invited human audiences to listen, reflect, and respond with empathy and action.

This rich and evolving inquiry fostered collaboration, critical thinking, and a strong sense of agency, empowering students to use their voices to inspire change and care for the environment.