Stage 5
Students will investigate a wetland environment, measure water quality and other biophysical factors, examine wetland animal species diversity and abundance along with their adaptations which assist their survival. Students will examine current issues at this wetland environment and analyse the management of these issues along with potential management.
The program will include:
Introduction including history and traditional land use.
Fieldwork activities:
- Water quality and biophysical factors - Water quality testing and measurement of biophysical factors at 2 sites including the use of data loggers.
- Animal diversity in and around the pond (dip netting species and bird observation) - Pond animal collection, identification and tally. Bird identification and tally.
- Issues and management walk – Examination of various issues at this location and management of these along with potential management.
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 5 Geography outcomes
A student:
- explains processes and influences that form and transform places and environments GE5-2
- analyses the effect of interactions and connections between people, places and environments GE5-3
- accounts for perspectives of people and organisations on a range of geographical issues GE5-4
- assesses management strategies for places and environments for their sustainability GE5-5
- acquires and processes geographical information by selecting and using appropriate and relevant geographical tools for inquiry GE5-7
- communicates geographical information to a range of audiences using a variety of strategies GE5-8
Key inquiry questions
Environmental change and management
- How do environments function?
- How do people’s worldviews affect their attitudes to and use of environments?
- What are the causes and consequences of change in environments and how can this change be managed?
- Why is an understanding of environmental processes and interconnections essential for sustainable management of environments?
Content
Environmental change and management
Environments
Students:
- investigate the role and importance of natural environments
Environmental change
Students:
- investigate human-induced environmental changes across a range of scales
Environmental management
Students:
- investigate environmental management, including different worldviews and the management approaches of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Investigative study
Students:
- investigate the biophysical processes essential to the functioning of the selected environment
- investigate the causes, extent and consequences of the environmental change
- investigate the management of the environmental change
Learning across the curriculum
Sustainability
Civics and citizenship
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures
Information and communication technology capability
Numeracy
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
Two learning activities - 10:35am
Lunch - 12:05pm
Two 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.