the nesting box project - designing for biodiversity | OR5

Design for biodiversity. Build for impact.

This engaging project invites Year 9–10 students to apply the product design process to a real-world ecological challenge — supporting wildlife through the design of functional and sustainable nesting boxes. Inspired by habitat restoration practices in sustainably managed forests, students explore how design is used to support biodiversity outcomes in both natural and production landscapes.

They research local wildlife species in their own area, investigate how foresters and land managers use design to protect biodiversity, and prototype their own solutions using sustainable materials.

Real-World Connections

• Investigate local native species that depend on tree hollows and how nesting boxes can provide alternative habitat

• Learn how sustainable forestry operations use habitat design and wildlife corridors to balance production and conservation

• Explore real examples of foresters installing nesting boxes in plantations, buffer zones, and agroforestry systems

• Connect product design to regional careers in forestry, conservation, and environmental design

What’s Included

• Student Workbook Resource – online or print versions
  Guided worksheets and activities covering each stage of the design process.

• Teacher Resource
  Detailed lesson plans, background content, suggested answers, and assessment tools.

• Multimedia Support
  Instructional ‘how-to’ videos, technical drawings, digital design exemplars, and accompanying PowerPoint slides.

• Ed Tech Integration
  Includes ForestVR™ immersive videos, Kahoot! quizzes, and video walkthroughs.

Lesson Sequence:

Resources:

Please download these resources onto your device as occasionally our links will change.

DISCLAIMER

The approaches outlined in this resource are those of the author and contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of DATTA Vic. While all attempts have been made to align the advice and suggestions with VCAA expectations, the support material has not been verified by VCAA. Authors have acted with all available information from VCAA at the time of publication.

Responsibility for any loss resulting from action or refraining from action in response to the material must be accepted by users. Teachers must refer to the mandatory documents in relation to the study from VCAA, available online and updated every year.

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