STUDENT NOTES Terms 2-3, 2017

Transcription

1 STUDENT NOTES Terms 2-3,

2 CONTENTS 2 2

3 CONTENTS... 2 INTRODUCTION... 4 Welcome to the Chevron Focus Environment Competition... 4 Win!... 4 How do I enter the competition?... 4 How do I get started?... 4 CATEGORIES... 5 COMPETITION RULES... 6 PRIZES... 7 DISCOVER... 8 Native to WA what exactly does this mean?... 9 What are introduced species?... 9 What are some ways for you to discover more about WA s native species?... 9 PLAY Photography a beginner s guide EXPLORE Tips for photography SHARE Writing a caption What is the difference between a title and a caption? How to write a caption FURTHER INFORMATION About Chevron Australia About Dr Harry Butler (AO) About Professor Lyn Beazley (AO) Media Education / The West Australian 2017 All images are student submissions from the Chevron Focus Environment competition, unless noted. 3 3

4 INTRODUCTION Welcome to the Chevron Focus Environment Competition The Chevron Focus Environment competition encourages students to engage with WA s biodiversity through the mediums of photography and caption writing. Win! Enter our Chevron Focus Environment competition for your chance to win great prizes! Winning students and their schools will share in $25,000 in cash prizes. Students might also have their winning entry published in a special edition of The West Australian s ED! Magazine on Tuesday, November 7. Prizes will be awarded for each category in the following age groups: Years K-2, 3-6, 7-10 and In addition to being considered for these prizes, the Lyn Beazley Encouragement Award will be presented to up to five students with a disability or learning difficulty. All finalists will go into the running to win the prestigious Harry Butler Award, presented to one outstanding entry every year that uses the medium of photography and words to raise environmental awareness and understanding. How do I enter the competition? To enter, you must submit: a photograph with a title that shows an aspect of the category you ve chosen. a caption of 25 words or less. The photograph and caption are equally important. How do I get started? DISCOVER! Find out about WA s unique species, the threats they face and how people can help PLAY! Grab a camera and spend some time developing your photography skills EXPLORE! Get outside and capture the diversity of our State s plants, animals and landscapes SHARE! Compose a captivating caption that shows the biodiversity story of your favourite photo. 4 4

5 CATEGORIES Choose one or more of the following categories to focus on: on: WA s native species Show us examples of the many species of plants or animals that are native to WA. Try distance and close-up shots and choose the ones that are most interesting. on: WA s habitats and ecosystems Give us a peek into the homes of some species that are native to WA. Take us to the beach, to rock pools, forests, deserts or wetlands to see the different landscapes where our State s native species hang out. You might like to try taking a wideangle or panoramic shot. on: Sustainability in WA Go in search of ways in which people are positively connecting with WA s biodiversity and safeguarding it for the future. For example, making elements of nature more accessible to people by building footpaths and creating nature trails, caring for injured or orphaned animals. 5 5

6 COMPETITION RULES Entries must be uploaded via this website education.thewest.com.au/competitions. No alternative methods of entry will be accepted. Each entry must include both a photograph accompanied by a title and a caption of up to 25 words addressing the subject category. This caption must be written by the photographer. Entries close Friday September 22 Entry is open to primary and secondary students in WA schools. Judges are unable to accept: o Photos from outside Western Australia o Photos featuring plants or animals that are not native to Western Australia. o Captions that are famous quotes or poems o More than two entries per category per person Image file names must be in the following format: o SCHOOL NAME-YEAR LEVEL-STUDENT NAME-UNIQUE NUMBER o Eg. BunburyPS-Yr5-RobertSmith-1.jpg Photographs may be colour, sepia or black and white. Digital photographs must be a minimum resolution of 300dpi. Entries must be the student s own original work. No joint entries will be accepted. For full terms and conditions, please visit education.thewest.com.au/competitions 6 6

7 PRIZES Winning students for each subject / age category, and their schools, will receive a cash prize following publication of the winners edition of ED! Magazine on November 7, Prizes will be awarded for each category in the following age groups: Years K-2, 3-6, 7-10 and In addition to being considered for these prizes, the Lyn Beazley Encouragement Award will be presented to up to five students with a disability or learning difficulty. All finalists will go into the running to win the prestigious Harry Butler Award, presented to one outstanding entry every year that uses the medium of photography and words to raise environmental awareness and understanding. Focus on: WA s native species Focus on: WA s habitats and ecosystems. Focus on: Sustainability in WA. Harry Butler Award Lyn Beazley Encouragement Award Years K-2 Years 3 to 6 Years 7 to 10 Years 11 to 12 First prize First prize First prize First prize Second prize Second prize Second prize Second prize Third prize Third prize Third prize Third prize First prize Second prize Third prize First prize Second prize Third prize First prize Second prize Third prize First prize Second prize Third prize First prize Second prize Third prize First prize Second prize Third prize First prize Second prize Third prize First prize Second prize Third prize In addition, one of the finalists from the age and subject categories will be selected as the winner of the Harry Butler Award. Up to five students with a disability or learning difficulty will be considered for an encouragement award, and will receive a certificate and a $100 cash prize. Cash prizes for each age group / category will be awarded as follows. Both the student and their school will win a cash prize, with the exception of the Lyn Beazley Encouragement Awards and the Harry Butler Award. STUDENT PRIZE SCHOOL PRIZE First prize: $250 $750 Second prize: $150 $500 Third prize: $100 $250 Harry Butler Award: $500 - Lyn Beazley Encouragement Award: Up to 5 x $

8 DISCOVER Find out about WA s unique species, the threats they face and how people can help. It s great that you are inspired to get out and about with your camera to find some evidence of WA s biodiversity to share with us. But before you begin, answer these three questions. How much do you know about WA s unique wildlife, our State s native plants and animals? How much do you know about the threats they face such as introduced animals and invasive species? How much do you know about the people working to protect WA s rich biodiversity and its native species? If your answer to any of these questions is, Not much, then now s the time to actively engage in finding out more until your answer to all three is, Heaps! The judges are not just looking for pretty pictures. Your photograph and caption must tell them how much you know about WA biodiversity, the threats it is facing and the help it is receiving. Your entries must say Here s evidence of WA s unique biodiversity, and all species are native to WA. Here s evidence of WA habitats and ecosystems that shows interaction between WA s native species and the environment. Here s evidence of people actively engaged in helping our State s native species, showing that there are ways we can all be involved in protecting our WA s unique biodiversity. Capturing that perfect shot and composing a meaningful caption will be the reward for taking the time to learn about our natural heritage. 8 8

9 Native to WA what exactly does this mean? For the competition, we are looking at species that naturally occur in WA (ie they are native to WA). They may be unique only to one particular area of WA (ie they are endemic to that area) or they may also naturally belong in other areas of our State or they may be found anywhere across Australia. Judges will not accept photographs that feature species that are not native to WA. Image The West Australian Image The West Australian Image The West Australian Image The West Australian Endemic ONLY to a certain part of WA. Native to WA Not native to WA Introduced to WA NUMBAT EMU KOALA SHEEP What are introduced species? Introduced species are those that do not belong in an area. The problems they cause include: preying upon local species, taking over nesting sites and feeding grounds of local species, damaging the soil and preventing healthy growth of local plants, competing with them for water and nutrients. Find out what the terms feral and invasive mean. What are some examples of feral and invasive species in WA? What are some ways for you to discover more about WA s native species? Talk to teachers, family and friends. You may be surprised at how much they can tell you! Visit a native plant nursery. Research not-for-profit groups that are helping local species; e.g. Project Numbat and Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre, Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. Research the WA division of national bodies such as Landcare Australia and Greening Australia. Browse through the websites of the Government of Western Australia s Department of Parks and Wildlife and Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority PLAY: Grab a camera and spend some time developing your photography skills. While you are out and about learning about WA s native species, you can also be developing your photographic skills. For the competition, you can use whatever camera you have from a smart phone to a GoPro action camera or the latest DSLR with interchangeable lenses. 9 9

10 PLAY Photography a beginner s guide Grab a camera and spend some time developing photography skills. The beauty of using biodiversity as a subject for photography is that wherever you live, you are not too far away from a habitat that is waiting to be explored. Whatever camera you have, from a smartphone to a DSLR with interchangeable lenses, find out what it can do and get out there and have some fun! Getting started. What you see through the view finder or on screen is what will be in the final image. It is worth spending time composing the shot so the end result is just what you want. Before you begin, there are some options for you to think about. These include: Camera orientation portrait or landscape? Format standard photo, square or panorama? Proximity - macro, close-up, medium or distance shot? Zoom can you get closer to, or further from, the subject by zooming in or out? Do you always take photos from your eye level with the camera facing straight ahead? Maybe it s time to explore the art of photography from different perspectives. Challenge yourself to take more creative and interesting photos by moving around a subject and looking at it from above or below. Does it make a difference if you tilt the camera in your hands before you take the shot? How many interesting shots can you take of the same subject? Search online for photo composition tips for ideas that will transform your photographs from ordinary to extraordinary. Rule of thirds. By placing the subject off-centre, you add interest to a photograph. It shows where a subject is looking or where it is moving to. This allows the viewer to look or move there too. Another point of interest can be created in the space beside the main subject. Search online for Rule of Thirds to discover how to use it and to view images that show how it can be used to draw the viewer s eye into the photograph

11 Shutter speed A faster shutter speed is great for capturing fast action, such as moving wildlife. Search online for shutter speed to view examples of how it can be used to capture and show movement. Depth of field This technique can make 2D images come alive. You can manipulate your photo so that part of the image is in sharp focus while the rest is blurred. Search online for depth of field to discover how this effect can be created and to view images of the three different types

12 Every series tells a story. It s always good to take a burst of shots as every split second gives a different image. This will increase your chances of capturing: a really great shot. something unexpected. just what you re hoping for. Read what happened to Rob McLean who was trying to photograph the bonding display of a pair of Great Crested Grebes

13 Expect the unexpected. When something unexpected happens, you need to be ready to snap it quickly. Smartphones and tablets are often the best option here. The interest factor of these shots can make up for them not being technically perfect. Review and share. Upload and caption your photographs at the earliest opportunity while stories are still fresh in your mind and you can remember the details. For the Chevron Focus Environment Competition, editing programs should be used in moderation to enhance an image, not to change it completely. Crop to improve composition, focus on one aspect, remove unwanted elements. Brighten or darken to bring out or pull back the amount of light in a photograph. Sharpen the image to allow it to pop more. What will you do with all your amazing photographs once you have discarded those you don t want and edited those you do? Surely they won t stay locked away on your computer! Choose a way to print and display them so they will inspire you to persevere with your photography. It will continue to improve when you get out there and have fun with your camera! 13 13

14 EXPLORE Get outside and capture the diversity of our State s plants, animals and landscapes Tips for photography Whatever type of camera you have, the most important thing for you to do is to get out there and start taking some shots of WA biodiversity. Explore the beach and its rock pools, desert areas, forests and wetlands. Find evidence in the layers of WA s landscapes of WA s native plant and animal populations. Get familiar with your camera. What features does it have and what do they do? Keep a note of the different settings you use so you learn which ones create different effects. Like any new skill, photography requires lots of practice! One thing every photographer has to learn, whatever camera he/she is using, is how to compose a shot. Try some of these ideas. Move to the level of the subject. Lie down or climb up, whatever is necessary to take the shot from the same level as the subject. (line of sight) Look up, look down and all around. Shoot the subject from all angles. (line of sight) Macro, close-up, portrait or landscape. Not sure which mode to use? Try them all and see which gives the image you re trying to achieve. Macro shot Do you want to see something in minute detail; e.g. the centre of a blossom, an insect s features? Then macro is the shot for you. What do you have to do with your camera to achieve this shot in the detail you require? Close-up shot Why have you chosen it? What different patterns and textures does it have? How much detail do you want the image to include? Walk around it. Check the light and shadows. Take several photographs, from different angles and levels, with and without the Rule of Thirds, the zoom function, the focus lock and the flash, and any combination of these. Vary the distance, measured in paces, from which you take each shot. Portrait/medium shot Take time to record points of interest, where they are in relation to each other and their relative sizes. How many places can you stand to get a different perspective, ensuring all points of interest are always included? Can balance be achieved from each perspective? Check the light and shadows. How will they affect the shot? Can more shade be created? Take several shot s from each perspective, with and without the Rule of Thirds, the zoom function, the focus lock and the flash, and any combination of these. Landscape/long shot What are the points of interest and what proportion of the shot do they take up? Is there anything to provide a sense of balance, of scale? Take several shots from each, with and without the Rule of Thirds, the zoom function, the focus lock and the flash, and any combination of these

15 SHARE Compose a captivating caption that highlights the biodiversity story of your favourite photo Writing a caption So, you ve enjoyed finding out about WA s biodiversity and learning a lot about our State s native species; and you ve surely had a great time out in the field with your camera. You ve put in a lot of time and effort getting this far and now it s time to write the caption. In the competition, the photograph and the caption carry equal weight. You must give as much thought and effort to writing the caption as you did to the other parts of the competition. What is the difference between a title and a caption? A title gives a brief description of the photograph; e.g. Birds in a Nest. It states the obvious but says nothing about the story behind the photo. It provides no context. A caption can be described as the reverse of a title. It provides the context but it does not state the obvious. The caption is also evidence of your understanding of the connection between the photograph and the category in which it has been entered; e.g. in the category, Sustainability in WA, the caption for Birds in a Nest could be, Thanks to the efforts of the volunteers who restored their habitat, this breeding pair of native birds has returned to the local area. This caption would show your knowledge of the birds loss of habitat and your understanding of important work carried out by the people who restored it. There are some basic guidelines to follow when writing captions. Although they are all intrinsic parts of writing a caption, they can be examined individually. How to write a caption Whichever category you have entered, the process of writing a caption is the same. Look at the photo and ask yourself what emotion it stirs. Does it make you smile and feel happy or sad or angry? Your emotional response will help you in your choice of vocabulary. Record all the information you have about the photograph. Answer the five Ws Who is in it? What is happening? When and where was the shot taken? Why did the event occur and why did you take the shot? The answer to Why? is a very important link between the photograph and the category. Explain why the photo is relevant to the category WA s native species Name and describe the species and the area of WA where the photograph was taken. WA s habitats and ecosystems Describe the habitat/ecosystem, identifying the inhabitants and their connection with the environment. Sustainability in WA Describe the actions taken by people, identify any individuals or organisations involved, and their goals. REMEMBER TO OBTAIN THEIR PERMISSION BEFORE PHOTOGRAPHING THEM! 15 15

16 You were the photographer. You know why the shot is relevant to the category. So now, in your own words, as if describing it to a friend, tell the whole story behind the photograph. Highlight key words that are essential for explaining the context of the photograph. Cross out any words that can be removed without losing the meaning of the text. Re-write your description. What is the word count? Your limit is 25 words. Underline all the words that are important to your caption. If there are too many, reduce them by changing the vocabulary. Use single words that give the same meaning as a number of words; e.g. The numbat scurried. instead of The numbat moved quite quickly. If you need to, repeat this process until you are inside the word limit

17 FURTHER INFORMATION About Chevron Australia Chevron Australia is proud to continue its support of the Chevron Focus Environment competition as a way of raising awareness among students about protecting and managing the environment. About Dr Harry Butler (AO) When Chevron first stepped on to Barrow Island more than 50 years ago, accompanying them was an enthusiastic young conservationist named Harry Butler. Dr Butler s initial work as an environmental consultant to Chevron included establishing a quarantine program to stop invasive weeds and feral pests getting to Barrow Island. This has developed into the world s largest non-government quarantine initiative and has ensured the island s unique ecosystems and species remain intact, including 24 endemic species only found on the island. "In the Wild with Harry Butler", which aired on ABC TV in the 1970s with many repeat broadcasts, was one of the most influential wildlife shows on television. He was recognised Australia-wide as esteemed Dr Harry Butler AO, and was appointed a National Living Treasure by the National Trust, an officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia, Commander of the British Empire, Australian of the Year and recipient of Chevron s Environmental Hero Award. Dr Butler passed away in December Dr Harry Butler with the 2014 winner of the Harry Butler Award, Gabrielle Bright

18 About Professor Lyn Beazley (AO) Professor Lyn Beazley (AO) was Western Australia s chief scientist from 2006 to 2013, advising the State Government on science, innovation and technology matters. Born in the English town of Gravesend, Professor Beazley said her interest in science was nourished at school, particularly on a visit to Charles Darwin s house where she was allowed to peer through the great man s microscope. Later she became the first person in her family to attend university, studying at Oxford. She was appointed the State s Chief Scientist in I think science is so important to everyone and the more strong advocates we can have, I think, the better because it s going to make a big difference across society, she said. We all embrace science every day in our everyday lives so, for me, it s great. The more visibility and appreciation of science, the better. Professor Beazley is a passionate about the importance of young people getting involved in science at an early age. This is so important because we know to get someone interested in science, whether as a career or not, it has to start in primary school, and Years 5 and 6 are key, she said. And not everyone has marine life named after them. Professor Beazley s passion for oceans was recognised in 2011 when a bright red sea sponge found off Rottnest was named after her the Manihinea lynbeazleyae. She also has a fossil shark name after her - Gogoselachus lynbeazleyae