Stage 3
Students explore the rock platform and beach environment, participating in investigations looking at the physical conditions of these environments and adaptations that help living things survive in these conditions. Students also learn about actions they can take in creating a sustainable future in this environment.
Activities:
· Rock platform adaptations exploration
· Investigation of the effect of rock pool water temperature on biodiversity
· Investigation of physical conditions on the beach including measuring air temperature, wind speed and sand temperature. Discussion of the adaptations of dune plants to survive in these conditions
· AUSMAP (Australian Microplastics Assessment Project) Citizen Science activity
For further information on curriculum links, program and excursion information see below or contact us.
Further Information
Location
Merewether Beach (meet at Merewether Ocean Baths), Fredrick Street, Merewether.
Syllabus outcomes and content
Science and technology outcomes
A student:
- plans and conducts scientific investigations to answer testable questions, and collects and summarises data to communicate conclusions ST3-1WS-S
- plans and uses materials, tools and equipment to develop solutions for a need or opportunity ST3-2DP-T
- examines how the environment affects the growth, survival and adaptation of living things ST3-4LW-S
Key inquiry questions
How do physical conditions affect the survival of living things?
How do the structural and behavioural features of living things support survival?
Focus question: Why is it important for food and/or fibre to be produced sustainably?
Content
Living world
Growth and survival of living things
Students:
- describe how changing physical conditions in the environment affect the growth and survival of living things.
- test predictions by gathering data and use evidence to develop explanations of events and phenomena.
- understand that scientific and technological knowledge is used to solve problems and inform personal and community decisions.
Adaptations of living things
Students:
- describe adaptations as existing structures or behaviours that enable living things to survive in their environment.
- describe the structural and/or behavioural features of some native Australian animals and plants and why they are considered to be adaptations.
Sustainably managing environments to source food and fibre
Explain a sustainable practice used by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities to manage food and fibre resources
Learning across the curriculum
Sustainability
Civics and citizenship
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures
Numeracy
Critical and creative thinking
Bus information
Drop off and collection at Mereweather Ocean Baths, Fredrick Street, Merewether. Drop students on Fredrick Street and students walk down the the ocean baths.
What to bring
Printed workbook, clipboard and pencil.
Students should bring lunch, recess, refillable water bottle, hats, sunscreen, covered walking shoes plus any special requirements of the group (Wet weather gear when necessary). Non-aerosol insect repellent is advisable in summer.
Sample timetable
Introduction - 10:00 am
Morning tea - 10:10 am
Two learning activities - 10:30am
Lunch - 12:00pm
Two learning activties - 12:30pm
Finish- 2:00pm
This timetable is only a guide and may be adjusted.
Toilet facilities are available at Merewether Baths. If available, a covered shelter with picnic tables is utilised for recess and lunch breaks.
Supervision
AEEC is a NSW Department of Education school and staff are trained DoE teachers specialising in Environmental Education.
AEEC teachers rely on the participation of visiting teachers to meet recommended supervision levels. Visiting teachers are ultimately responsible for behaviour of students, students with existing medical conditions or special needs.
Medical or special needs
Please notify Awabakal Environmental Education Centre of any medical conditions or special needs that may need to be taken into consideration when planning or delivering the program. Upon booking an excursion, a form will be emailed to complete to detail any medical or special needs.
Parent / carer helpers
As our staff are Department of Education teachers we don’t require parent helpers on the day. If your school decides to bring parents, we kindly ask that you keep the number to a minimum. For safety reasons and the nature of our sites, parents will not be able to participate in activities.
Extreme or wet weather
Extreme weather conditions such as heavy rainfall, high winds and extreme bush fire danger may result in the excursion being modified, postponed or cancelled. If you have any concerns regarding the weather prior to the excursion, contact Awabakal Environmental Education Centre on 4955 8673 or email awabakal-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au.
Cancellations
Cancellations less than three school weeks notice may incur an administration fee. This does not apply to cancellations due to weather or fire danger.
Bookings
For bookings click here.