Stage 6
Students will investigate an aquatic ecosystem and calculate some of the factors which affect plant and animal life, identify some aspects of water flow, and analyse and summarise those aspects of the wetlands habitat which have been affected by human activity.
This program includes:
Access to a Google Site for pre-visit information and activities
Short Introduction on the day
Fieldwork including:
- Biophysical factors: water and air temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction water depth, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and salinity. Use of data loggers.
- Distribution and abundance of pond animals and plants: fixed transect, quadrats and dip netting.
- Management issues are investigated during a site walk.
- Interaction of the spheres at this wetland site.
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).
Wetlands Campus has a purpose built education centre including theatre, wet room and classroom.
Syllabus outcomes and content
Geography outcomes
A student:
- differentiates between spatial and ecological dimensions in the study of geography P1
- describes the interactions between the four components which define the biophysical environment P2
- explains how a specific environment functions in terms of biophysical factors P3
- selects, organises and analyses relevant geographical information from a variety of sources P8
- uses maps, graphs and statistics, photographs and fieldwork to conduct geographical inquiries P9
- applies geographical understanding and methods ethically and effectively to a research project P11
- communicates geographical information, ideas and issues using appropriate written and/or oral, cartographic and graphic forms P12
Content
The biosphysical environment
Biophysical processes and issues
Investigating and communicating geographically
Use geographical skills and tools
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 - 10:00am
Learning activities - 10:30am
Lunch - 12:00pm
Learning activities - 12:30pm
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.