Stage 6
Students will investigate a freshwater ecosystem and calculate factors that affect plant and animal life. They will identify conflicts in management for tourism and conservation, and analyse and summarise those aspects of the wetlands habitat which have been affected by people. Students interpret maps and photographs over time.
The program includes:
PowerPoint introduction
Fieldwork including:
- Biophysical factors: water and air temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction water depth, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and salinity. Use data loggers.
- Distribution and abundance of pond animals
- Photographic interpretation and GPS use
- Interpreting data from maps, satellite images
Conclusion: Issues balancing the management of tourism and conservation.
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).
The Wetlands Campus has a purpose built education centre including theatre, wet room and classroom.
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
Ecosystems, interactions, distribution and abundance, and management issues at this rehabilitated site.
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 - 12:30pm
Learning activities - 1:00pm
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.