Effects of introduced species
Students will investigate the inquiry question: How do introduced species affect the Australian environment and ecosystems in this wetland ecosystem?
Activities include:
- Introduction and background to the introduced species being studied
- Abiotic factors – comparison to acceptable ranges (water depth, air temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, water temperature, pH, turbidity)
- Biotic factors – dip netting at two locations to determine biodiversity and the impact of introduced species
- Investigation walk to examine introduced species on site, control or mitigation methods and human impacts that favour the introduced species
- Further examination of introduced species on site and management
- Conclusion to the day and discussion of validity, reliability, impact of one species on another.
This program may be used as part of a depth study.
For further information on curriculum links, program and excursion information see below or contact us.
Further Information
Location
Awabakal Environmental Education Centre- Wetlands Campus located at the Hunter Wetlands Centre 412 Sandgate Road, Shortland.
Please use school entry.
Wetlands Campus is located at the Hunter Wetlands Centre, which is a managed wetland reserve with natural and artificial water features accessed by decks and established walking tracks. The site is classified as part of the Hunter Estuary Ramsar Site under the International Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar).
WEEC have a purpose built education centre including theatre, wet room and classroom.
Syllabus outcomes and content
Investigating Science outcomes
A student:
- designs and evaluates investigations in order to obtain primary and secondary data and information EES11/12-2
- conducts investigations to collect valid and reliable primary and secondary data and information EES11/12-3
- describes human impact on the Earth in relation to hydrological processes, geological processes and biological changes EES11-11
Content
Module 4: Human Impacts
Effects of Introduced Species
Inquiry question: How do introduced species affect the Australian environment and ecosystems?
- Outline the biotic and abiotic effects of introduced species
- Conduct an investigation into a local introduced species, including:
- reason for introducing the species
- biotic and abiotic effects of the species
- area affected by the species
- human impacts that favour the introduced species
- control or mitigation methods
- economic impact of the species
- different views about the value of and/or harm caused by the introduced species, including the views of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
- Analyse ways in which human activity can upset the balance of ecosystems and favour introduced species.
- Describe ways in which introduced species contribute to the decline or extinction of native Australian species.
Bus information
Awabakal Environmental Education Centre- Wetlands Campus located at the Hunter Wetlands Centre 412 Sandgate Road, Shortland.
Please use school entry.
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
Learning activity - 9:50am
Learning activity - 11.00am
Lunch - 12:10pm
Learning activity - 12:40pm
Finish - 2:00pm
Students will have lunch on the grounds of the AEEC. There are toilet facilities available. 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.