Stage 6
Investigation of the unique coastal bushland environment in the Awabakal Nature Reserve which includes 4 distinct vegetation zones including one of the largest remaining coastal heath communities.
Activities:
- Data collection and analysis using a variety of fieldwork instruments and connection to the atmospheric, hydrological, geomorphic and ecological systems
- Equipment used during the program includes: hygrometer, anemometer, compass, turbidity tube,soil pH and moisture equipment, kestrel, clinometer, lux meter, data logger, GPS and a variety of maps.
- Development of a vegetation transect and quadrat
- Analysis of the values of this coastal bushland ecosystem and how these have changed over time.
- Examination of issues, threats and management to this coastal bushland ecosystem.
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 10:00am. 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
Geography outcomes
A student:
- A student:
- examines places, environments and natural and human phenomena, for their characteristics, spatial patterns, interactions and changes over time GE-11-01
- explains geographical processes and influences, at a range of scales, that form and transform places and environments GE-11-02
- analyses and synthesises relevant geographical information from a variety of sources GE-11-05
- applies geographical inquiry skills and tools, including spatial technologies, fieldwork, and ethical practices, to investigate places and environments GE-11-07
Content
Overview of the uniqueness and diversity of the Earth
- Nature as a source of wonder
- People’s connection to the natural world and why it can vary
- The universal value of Earth’s environments
- Inspirational landscapes
- Aboriginal peoples’ connection to Country
Processes, cycles and circulations connecting natural systems
- Characteristics of Earth’s natural systems and factors affecting their functioning
- Latitude
- Altitude
- Continentality
- Oceanity
- Seasonality
The processes, cycles and circulations connecting natural systems including:
- atmospheric
- hydrospheric
- geomorphic
- ecological
Bus information
Students are dropped off at Awabakal Environmental Education Centre (AEEC), 51 Boundary Street, Dudley at 10:00am.
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 - 10:00am
Data collection - 10:30am
Recess - 11:00am
Walk and data collection - 11:15am
Lunch - 1:00pm
Walk and data collection - 1:20pm
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.