Stage 3
Students will be introduced to two ecosystems - wetland and mangroves. They will discover their differences and importance.
The program will include:
PowerPoint introduction.
Discovery activities -
- Water quality testing
- Classification of pond animals
- Features of a landscape
- Abiotic testing.
For further information on curriculum links, program and excursion information see below or contact us.
Further Information
Location
Awabakal Environmental Education Centre- Wetlands Campus, 412 Sandgate Road, Shortland.
Syllabus outcomes and content
Stage 3 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
- examines how the environment affects the growth, survival and adaptation of living things ST3-4LW-S
- explains how food and fibre are produced sustainably in managed environments for health and nutrition ST3-5LW-T
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, for example:
− Aboriginal Peoples’ use of fire-stick farming
− temperature of water in aquatic environments
- test predictions by gathering data and use evidence to develop explanations of events and phenomena (ACSHE081, ACSHE098) SciT
- understand that scientific and technological knowledge is used to solve problems and inform personal and community decisions (ACSHE083, ACSHE100) SciT
Adaptations of living things
Students:
- describe adaptations as existing structures or behaviours that enable living things to survive in their environment (ACSSU043) SciT
- describe the structural and/or behavioural features of some native Australian animals and plants and why they are considered to be adaptations, for example: ComT SciT
− shiny surfaces of leaves
Sustainably managing environments to source food and fibre
Students:
- explain a sustainable practice used by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities to manage food and fibre resources
Learning across the curriculum
Sustainability
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures
Ethical understanding
Numeracy
Information and communication technology capability
Bus information
Drop off and collection Awabakal Environmental Education Centre (AEEC), Wetlands Campus located at Hunter Wetlands Centre, 412 Sandgate Rd, Shortland, Newcastle.
Please use School entry.
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 - 10:20 am
Learning activities - 10:40am
Lunch - 12:10pm
Learning activties - 12:30pm
Finish- 2:00pm
Students will have morning tea and lunch on the grounds of the AEEC. This timetable is only a guide and may be adjusted.
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.