Children participating in the Greentree Ant program develop research skills in a practical and enjoyable way. Children’s own local environment is examined for biodiversity and a range of learning experiences offered to help children understand and appreciate the rich and diverse life existing within their immediate surroundings. In this way a sense of local and regional community is brought to the learning process.
 Greentree Ants compliments all Townsville City Council curriculum focused catchment and sustainability initiatives as part of the ‘Citischool - young citizens program’. The delivery of Greentree Ants links directly with existing curriculum and key learning outcomes as well as helping to develop ways to deliver issues on terrestrial biodiversity to students.
The program also has the capacity to assist children develop skills in other areas such as language and communication as well as technology, art and drama thus integrating the school curriculum. |
Green Tree Ants in the building of their villages and cities demonstrate many qualities that are the basis of successful sustainable cities (like Townsville!); they are industrious, work as a team, collaborate and are guardians of their environment. They form strong reliable relationships and operate as a community. Their cities are powered by sunlight; they are a "
The character central to the program is the Green tree ant, also known officially as Oecophylla smaragdina. These hard working ants demonstrate the benefits of collaboration, achieving so much more by always working together as a team. Terrestrial biodiversity is taught using the Green tree ant to represent links between plants and animals in our ecosystems, and serves as a conduit to teach the fauna component of plant-animal interaction in schools. Activities focus on team work and building strong reliable relationships between students, as this is what Green tree ants do. 
