Provide basic care of terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates

Formats and tools

Unit Description
Reconstruct the unit from the xml and display it as an HTML page.
Assessment Tool
an assessor resource that builds a framework for writing an assessment tool
Assessment Template
generate a spreadsheet for marking this unit in a classroom environment. Put student names in the top row and check them off as they demonstrate competenece for each of the unit's elements and performance criteria.
Assessment Matrix
a slightly different format than the assessment template. A spreadsheet with unit names, elements and performance criteria in separate columns. Put assessment names in column headings to track which performance criteria each one covers. Good for ensuring that you've covered every one of the performance criteria with your assessment instrument (all assessement tools together).
Wiki Markup
mark up the unit in a wiki markup codes, ready to copy and paste into a wiki page. The output will work in most wikis but is designed to work particularly well as a Wikiversity learning project.
Evidence Guide
create an evidence guide for workplace assessment and RPL applicants
Competency Mapping Template
Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners. A template for developing assessments for a unit, which will help you to create valid, fair and reliable assessments for the unit, ready to give to trainers and students
Observation Checklist
create an observation checklist for workplace assessment and RPL applicants. This is similar to the evidence guide above, but a little shorter and friendlier on your printer. You will also need to create a seperate Assessor Marking Guide for guidelines on gathering evidence and a list of key points for each activity observed using the unit's range statement, required skills and evidence required (see the unit's html page for details)

Self Assessment Survey
A form for students to assess thier current skill levels against each of the unit's performance criteria. Cut and paste into a web document or print and distribute in hard copy.
Moodle Outcomes
Create a csv file of the unit's performance criteria to import into a moodle course as outcomes, ready to associate with each of your assignments. Here's a quick 'how to' for importing these into moodle 2.x
Registered Training Organisations
Trying to find someone to train or assess you? This link lists all the RTOs that are currently registered to deliver ACMSPE309A, 'Provide basic care of terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates'.
Google Links
links to google searches, with filtering in place to maximise the usefulness of the returned results
Books
Reference books for 'Provide basic care of terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates' on fishpond.com.au. This online store has a huge range of books, pretty reasonable prices, free delivery in Australia *and* they give a small commission to ntisthis.com for every purchase, so go nuts :)


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Identify commonly available terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates

1.1. Profile of terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates commonly held in facility, including habitat, nutrition, health and behavioural characteristics, is defined.

1.2. External features are described using industry terminology.

1.3. Invertebrates are classified using industry-specific terminology.

1.4. Colours, markings and other identifying features are defined, interpreted and documented.

2. Identify and evaluate behavioural and housing needs

2.1. Water quality (for freshwater species) is monitored and adjustments made, as required, to maintain optimum water quality appropriate for the species being housed as directed by supervisor.

2.2. Indicators of animal comfort and normal behaviour are identified and signs of distressed invertebrates are recognised and reported to supervisor.

2.3. Industry guidelines for housing design, environmental factors and appropriate stocking densities are identified.

2.4. Enrichment needs are identified and evaluated for specific animal species.

2.5. Current animal housing design is evaluated in relation to the welfare of animals kept and legislation requirements.

3. Approach and handle invertebrates

3.1. Occupational health and safety (OHS) risks associated with handling and restraining invertebrates are identified and methods used to minimise risks are demonstrated.

3.2. Appropriate equipment to catch and handle invertebrate are identified and prepared.

3.3. Invertebrates are approached and handled while minimising risks to animal and others using a range of appropriate animal welfare procedures.

4. Assist with health care needs

4.1. Signs of good health in invertebrates are identified and recorded in animal health and treatment records.

4.2. Common health issues are identified and signs of disease or other conditions are reported to supervisor.

4.3. General health maintenance and preventative treatment procedures are identified and implemented in accordance with level of job responsibility, regulatory requirements and supervisor guidance.

4.4. Options for activity and enrichment are identified, evaluated for impact on invertebrate health and implemented as directed by supervisor.

5. Feed invertebrates

5.1. Digestive system features are identified and related to invertebrate specific feeding routines and diets.

5.2. Preferred food sources are identified and food samples are assessed for quality and suitability.

5.3. Potential feeding hazards are identified and risk control options defined.

5.4. Feed is prepared in accordance with dietary needs.

5.5. Feed is distributed and consumption, including abnormalities, is reported in accordance with workplace routines.

6. Maintain records

6.1. Documentation on the care and management of terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates is completed in accordance with workplace procedures and legislation requirements.


Qualifications and Skillsets

ACMSPE309A appears in the following qualifications:

  • ACM30310 - Certificate III in Captive Animals
  • ACM40310 - Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services
  • ACM30410 - Certificate III in Companion Animal Services
  • ACM40410 - Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
  • ACM20110 - Certificate II in Animal Studies
  • ACM30110 - Certificate III in Animal Studies
  • ACM30210 - Certificate III in Animal Technology
  • ACM40210 - Certificate IV in Captive Animals
  • ACM50110 - Diploma of Animal Technology
  • ACM40412 - Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing