The Hotspot Heroes Enviro-Stories Program involves schools from the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia learning about biodiversity and threatened species in the local area.
‘Biodiversity hotspots’ are unique geographic regions that are extremely rich in native plant and animal life, making them a high priority to protect and preserve. The Central and Eastern Avon Wheatbelt (Western Australia), which forms part our region, is recognised as a National Biodiversity Hotspot as well as being part of Australia’s only Global Biodiversity Hotspot- the South West Australia Ecoregion (SWAE).
These hotspots face challenges as humans have altered the natural landscape and introduced pest plants and animals. A Hotspot Hero is someone who is willing to stand up and take action to help prevent our threatened plants and animals from fading into oblivion.
Students have the opportunity to be a Hotspot Hero and become published authors by writing and illustrating a biodiversity-themed short story, focusing on local threatened species and communities. They will explore and discover these environmental hotspots by learning them, their threats and how to protect them for future generations. Stories that are published will become resources to teach others about our precious biodiversity.
Check out the Hotspot Heroes books written by past students:
www.envirostories.com.au/category/programs/hotspot-heroes/
Stories can be from a human, plant or animal perspective. Stories can be fictional or non-fictional, but we definitely encourage lots of creativity.
Entries can be submitted by individuals, small groups or even full classes.
Students will write and illustrate a 15-page storybook that will be published into an A5 school reader and the students will have the honour of becoming published authors. These books will be distributed to schools, libraries and throughout the wider community as a resource to help others learn about the topic.
An Introduction for Teachers
DOWNLOAD FLYER
What do I have to do?
STEP 1: Register your interest with Anika Dent from Wheatbelt NRM.
Phone: 08 9670 3104
Email: adent@wheatbeltnrm.org.au
STEP 2: Download your Story Template.
Story TemplateSTEP 3: Identify and research your topic.
STEP 4: Write and illustrate a 15 page story plus 1 cover page as outlined in the Story Template. Make sure you…
- View our Hints and Tips about how to write a good Enviro-Stories book. READ MORE…
- Check out previous books to see how the books are laid out and the amount of text that has been used. GO TO THE LIBRARY…
- Check the story to ensure any scientific or technical details are accurate.
- Check the spelling and grammar.
STEP 5: Fill in our evaluation form for TEACHERS and STUDENTS.
STEP 6: Post the story and original illustrations to:
Wheatbelt NRM
Attn: Anika Dent
PO Box 311
Northam WA 6401
This program is supported by Wheatbelt NRM.
