Stage 6
Students use a variety of sampling techniques to obtain data to analyse the biotic and abiotic factors operating within four ecosystems in Awabakal Nature Reserve. Students engage in first hand investigations into the environmental pressures that promote a change in species diversity and abundance and affect the growth of plants. Students participate in collaborative investigations to collect qualitative and quantitative primary data, discuss the validity and reliability of data and improvement to fieldwork methods. Students can make inferences and conclusions from data collected. This program may be used as part of a depth study.
Fieldwork will include:
• collect abiotic data to predict their effect on organisms in four different ecosystems (including measuring: air temperature, humidity, aspect, soil pH and soil moisture using data loggers and other field equipment)
• measure the diversity and abundance of plant species in four different ecosystems
• observe and describe the impact of biotic factors including predation, competition, and symbiotic relationships
• investigate the adaptations of a given plant. Make observations of this plant species at two different locations to make inferences on the effect of abiotic factors on the growth of this plant.
• investigate how human activity can impact on these ecosystems e.g. fire, sand mining and introduced species
For further information on curriculum links, program and excursion information see below or contact us.
Further Information
Location
Awabakal Environmental Education Centre- Dudley Campus, 51 Boundary Street, Dudley and Awabakal Nature Reserve.
The excursion starts at Awabakal Environmental Education Centre at 9:30am. Students conduct field work in Awabakal Nature Reserve. The walk is approximately 3 km on well-defined bush tracks. Toilet facilities are available on the grounds of Awabakal Environmenta Education Centre before, at recess and at the end of the excursion.
Buses collect students from the end of Ocean Street, Dudley at 2:00pm.
Syllabus outcomes and content
Biology outcomes
A student:
- describes biological diversity by explaining the relationships between a range of organisms in terms of specialisation for selected habitats and evolution of species BIO11-10
- analyses ecosystem dynamics and the interrelationships of organisms within the ecosystem BIO11-11
- conducts investigations to collect valid and reliable primary and secondary data and information BIO11-3
- selects and processes appropriate qualitative and quantitative data and information using a range of appropriate media BIO11-4
- analyses and evaluates primary and secondary data and information BIO11-5
Content
Module 3: Biological Diversity
Effects of the Environment on Organisms - Inquiry question: How do environmental pressures promote a change in species diversity and abundance?
Adaptations - Inquiry question: How do adaptations increase the organism’s ability to survive?
Module 4: Ecosystem Dynamics
Population Dynamics - Inquiry question: What effect can one species have on the other species in a community?
Future Ecosystems - Inquiry question: How can human activity impact on an ecosystem?
Bus information
Students are dropped off at Awabakal Environmental Education Centre (AEEC), 51 Boundary Street, Dudley at 9:30am.
Buses collect students from the end of Ocean Street, Dudley at 2:00pm.
Please note: if you are using a bendy bus to transport students please contact AEEC prior to excursion for important information.
What to bring
Printed worksheets, 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 - 9:30am
Data collection - 10:00am
Recess - 10:30am
Walk and data collection - 10:45am
Lunch - 1:00pm
Walk and data collection - 1:15pm
Finish - 2:00pm
Students will have recess on the grounds of the AEEC and lunch in Awabakal Nature Reserve. 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.