Stage 2
Students will be introduced to a variety of sustainability issues connected to everyday life. Sustainability of energy and building design. Focus on light, heat and electrical energy and developing their understanding of energy as a resource that can be generated and transferred. Students will have the opportunity to explore examples of digital systems and how they transmit data.
The program will include:
PowerPoint introduction.
Discovery activities in small groups:
- Energy: the story of energy and future energy sources.
- Solar eco house: Design and test various materials in sustainable house construction.
- Ways of producing electricity (solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, waves, tidal, nuclear)
- Hydro Power
- Model wind turbines to generate electricity
- Using solar panels to generate power including cooking using a solar oven
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 2 Science and Technology outcomes
A student:
- questions, plans and conducts scientific investigations, collects and summarises data and communicates using scientific representations ST2-1WS-S
- selects and uses materials, tools and equipment to develop solutions for a need or opportunity ST2-2DP-T
Material World
A student:
- investigates the suitability of natural and processed materials for a range of purposes ST2-7MW-T
Physical World
A student:
- describes the characteristics and effects of common forms of energy, such as light and heat ST2-8PW-ST
Digital Technologies
A student:
- describes how digital systems represent and transmit data ST2-11DI-T
Content
Material World
Materials are used for a specific purpose
Focus question: How do you decide upon which material to use for a particular purpose?
• investigate how the properties of natural and processed materials influence their suitability and use in products, services and/or environments, for example: (ACSSU074, ACTDEK013) DesT SciT
- thermal conductivity
• develop a design solution for an identified need or opportunity, using a variety of tools and materials that considers factors such as sustainability and time (ACTDEK010) DesT
Physical World
Energy makes things happen (heat, light and electricity)
Inquiry question: How do heat, light and electrical energy make things happen?
• investigate the behaviour of light, for example: (ACSSU080) SciT
− shadows resulting from interruption of light by an object
• describe the effects of heat energy
• explore some common sources and uses of electrical energy and describe different ways electrical energy can be generated sustainably, for example: (ACSSU219)
− solar cells
− hydroelectric power
− wind turbines
− geothermal power generation
− wave power
Digital Technologies
Digital Systems and the transmission of data
Focus question: How do digital systems share information and instructions?
• identify and explore a range of digital systems and peripheral devices. (ACTDIK007) ComT DesT SysT
• explore how digital systems transmit different types of data. ComT SysT
• investigate digital and information systems, and explore how they meet personal, school or community needs. SciT
Working Scientifically: Questioning and predicting, processing and analysing data, planning and conducting investigations
Design and Production: Researching and planning, producing and implementing, testing and evaluating
Learning across the curriculum
Sustainability
Civics and citizenship
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 - 10:50am
Lunch - 12:00pm
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.