Students will investigate an inter-tidal wetland ecosystem, examine biophysical interactions, factors placing this ecosystem at risk, and evaluate historical and contemporary management of these factors. Students will also be able to examine the values of this of ecosystem along with the ability of it to respond to change.
Fieldwork will include:
- Site introduction including history, current use and management.
- Biophysical factors: water and air temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction water depth, pH, turbidity.
- Distribution and abundance of plants using a vegetation quadrat and examination of topography.
- Threats and management of vegetation.
- Management issues are investigated throughout the day.
- Examination of biophysical interactions at this location
- Issues relating to climate change and the ability of this environment to adjust to change.
- Examination of the values of this location.
For further information on curriculum links, program and excursion information see below or contact us.
Further Information
Location
Ash Island, Pacific Hwy, Hexham, Newcastle.
The Kooragang Wetland Rehabilitation Project (KWRP) is located on Ash Island next to the Hunter River and a large urban area (Newcastle) in New South Wales. It is one of the largest active coastal rehabilitation projects in Australia. The wetlands feature expanses of mangrove and saltmarsh, and in non-tidal areas, riparian woodlands, remnants of lowland floodplain rainforest and ephemeral, freshwater wetlands.
Syllabus outcomes and content
Geography outcomes
A student:
- explains the changing nature, spatial patterns and interaction of ecosystems, urban places and economic activity H1
- explains the factors which place ecosystems at risk and the reasons for their protection H2
- evaluates environmental management strategies in terms of ecological sustainability H5
- evaluates the impacts of, and responses of people to, environmental change H6
- applies maps, graphs and statistics, photographs and fieldwork to analyse and integrate data in geographical contexts H10
- explains geographical patterns, processes and future trends through appropriate case studies and illustrative examples H12
Content
Ecosystems at Risk
Salt marsh and mangrove ecosystems, interactions, distribution and abundance, and management issues at this rehabilitated site.
Bus information
The program will comence at the old Schoolhouse on Ash Island (off School House Road). Awabakal Environmental Education Centre teachers will meet you there. A map will be provided upon booking.
Ash Island is accessed by turning off Maitland Road onto the bridge over the Hunter River near Hexham McDonalds.
Transport will be needed throughout the day to transport the students to different points on the island.
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
Recess - 10:20am
Learning activities - 10:30am
Lunch - 12:30pm
Learning activities - 1:00pm
Finish - 2:00pm
There are no food facilities on Ash Island. Students will need to bring their food and drink for the entire day.
A toilet is available at the end of the day only.
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.