What is Classroom on the Reef?
Classroom on the Reef (COTR) is a JCU designed and led marine science educational program intended for senior school students studying marine science or STEM subjects. It is facilitated at JCU’s Orpheus Island Research Station in Tropical North Queensland.
The program complements the marine science syllabus, and supports topics students are covering in school, while providing the unique opportunity for hands on learning at an active research station on the Great Barrier Reef.
Here's what's on offer:
- Experience a world class research facility in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area,
- Curriculum content designed for secondary school students, and
- Live streaming underwater cameras, sensor data feeds and videos of the underwater environment.
Classroom on the Reef is made possible by the Queensland Department of Education Collaboration and Innovation Fund.
Experience life on a research station
Visiting students and teachers will love it here
Wake up to birdsong, have breakfast on the veranda overlooking the bay, watch whales spout on the horizon and spend the day investigating local reefs and working in the labs or lecture room. At the end of the day, enjoy a BBQ and watch the sun go down over the ocean while discussing your experiences. Our friendly staff may even drop by for a chat. As night falls, you might try some spotlighting of the local wildlife.
Experience:
- A beautiful tropical island environment
- Undertaking real research activities
- Visiting the giant clam garden
- Snorkelling and walking trips
What's going on under the water on Orpheus Island?
Rockcod, coral trout, blacktip reef sharks, turtles, yellowtail fusiliers, hard coral, soft coral…what will you see today?
This camera is located under the water in Pioneer Bay on the western side of the island.
This camera is underwater on the eastern side of Orpheus Island, off Rocky Beach.
Between the hours of 6am - 6pm AEST (what time is it?) we live stream from our underwater cameras. Outside of those hours we make a video available that we recorded one morning highlighting life on the bommie. Alternatively, you can Meet the Residents via other videos. Our cameras are regularly moving so check back to see other angles!
Meet a Scientist
How do you become a marine scientist? What do they do in their day-to-day work?
Professor Morgan Pratchett
Watch the interview
Dr Orpha Bellwood
Watch the interview
Dr Andrew Hoey
Watch the interviewLocation & Contact
- Call us on 07 4781 3480 If calling internationally, dial +61747813480
- orpheus@jcu.edu.au
- Facebook link find us on Facebook
- Instagram link find us on Instagram
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