Science of the surf at your school

WHY DOES YOUR SCHOOL NEED THE SCIENCE OF THE SURF?

Being so close to the coast, all of our kids will one day visit a beach. Regardless of whether they visit every day or once a year, a sound knowledge of how beaches, waves and currents work is of vital importance to both children and parents alike. Remember, beach flags tell you where to swim on a beach, but not why you should swim there. They do not explain what it is outside the flags that you should be avoiding. More importantly, given that 90% of Australian beaches are totally unpatrolled, a knowledge of beach and surf conditions is the only measure of beach safety for both parents and children. The Science of the Surf provides this knowledge and hosting the SOS is an essential duty of care for any coastal or rural school in NSW.

The Science of the Surf talk on the impacts of climate change on our coast is equally important as today’s students will be the future custodians of our coast. It is important for them to correctly understand the issues facing our coastline, how climate change impacts will affect coastal processes and landforms, and how we can best manage any changes to our coast.

ABOUT THE PRESENTATION

Dr Rob Brander regularly visits schools to perform a visually powerful, fascinating and entertaining 50 minute Powerpoint presentation on the formation of the NSW coastline, wave formation, wave types, wave breaking, rip currents and the types of beaches that exist both in NSW and globally. The talk contains video footage of waves and rip currents and benefits from 20 years of Dr Brander’s surf photography and expertise on the topic. Student questions and interaction is a key component of the presentation and students and teachers will be provided with access to newly designed surfscience and safety fact sheets.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After the presentation, students will:

Understand how beaches form and the environmental issues affecting them
Understand how waves are created and what the different types of waves are
Recognise t types of breaking waves and identify safe and unsafe waves
Be able to identify rip currents and know why, when and how they form
Know how to react safely if caught in a rip
Be able to identify the different types of beaches in NSW and Australia and their associated hazards
Recognise the importance and limitations of beach flags and hazard signs
Gain valuable surf safety and survival tips
Be more knowledgeable and confident in the surf

SCHOOL CURRICULUM

A separate version is available for primary schools Years 3-6
Fits into Save Living Module Stage 3 Outcome SLS3.13
A separate version is available for high schools Years 7-12
Marine Science, Science and PD/H/PE
Topics covered can be tailored to needs and interests of students/teachers

LOGISTICS

Duration varies from 45-50 minutes including question time and can be tailored to suit school bell times and individual needs
Any space with sufficient room capable of being darkened is suitable for the presentation (e.g. school hall, library, classroom, computer room)
Please advise if the school does not have a digital projector
Please advise if the school does not have a screen or white wall for projection
Cost is $4 per student and $10 per family (GST inclusive)
Minimum audience size is negotiable, but > 40 is preferred
No maximum audience size, but multiple sessions are recommended if more than 200 students

ACCREDITATION

The Science of the Surf (SOS) School Performance is fully accredited by the New South Wales Department of Education's Performing Arts Unit (Performance # 1705). For more information contact Lyn Cook

The SOS has a Public Liability Insurance Policy of up to $10,000,000.

NSW DET Performing Arts Unit Description

“Do you know how waves form and break? So you know how to spot rip currents and how to get out of one? What is a safe wave and an unsafe wave? Why are some beaches safer than others? All these questions and more are addressed in the informative and entertaining presentation SOS! Students learn the basic principles and hazards associated with beaches and surf zones - in Australia and also overseas. They also develop an understanding of how coastal zones work and the best way to ensure they have safe visit to the beach.”

TESTIMONIALS

A feedback form will be given to teachers following talks in 2007 and comments will be posted here. Feedback from people who have attended previous talks can be found here.

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