2. Statue Pavilion
Flight from Pompeii - observe the main sculpture - what are the father, mother and baby doing? (Fleeing the eruption of Mt Vesuvius)
Observe the carvings on the four white panels on the pedestal and discuss when and where this might have happened. Are there any volcanoes in Ballarat? (Mt Warrenheip and Mt Buninyong extinct volcanoes)

3. Sundial
Show children how the sundial shows the time. Why are modern clocks more reliable? (nightime, daylight saving)

4. Swamp Cypress
The Swamp Cypress is an unusual tree because it is a conifer and it loses its leaves (most conifers - cone bearing plants - are evergreen). Look for the green tree label for its Botanical name and where it comes from.
It lives in swamp conditions and so has special roots that grow above the ground (aerial roots) See if the children can find roots growing out of the lawn. (Notice mower blades have scarred the aerial roots.)

5. Ginkgo Trees
Background
The three Maidenhair Trees growing behind the lily pond were thought to be extinct as a species in their natural environment in China. These trees have been planted extensively in botanic gardens worldwide to ensure their species survival. Botanical Gardens are important for maintaining living plant collections, from which surviving, nearly extinct specimens can be reintroduced to the natural environment.
Activity
Discuss the concept of extinction. Children may already know about dinosaurs, Tasmanian Tigers etc.

   

6. Lily Pond
Observe the plants and animals present in the pond. How do animals differ from plants? (Plants generally get their energy from sunlight through leaves. Animals generally absorb other plants and animals as food to get their energy.)
Look for goldfish, waterlilies, tall water plants.
Any mini-beasts in and around the water? (eg snails, dragonflies, mosquitoes)