Students investigate an example of an ecosystem at risk in this coastal environment. The fieldwork undertaken includes an examination of natural and human impacts at this location and the management of this environment. Students collect information on the biophysical environment through the completion of data collection and measurement including the use of GPS. Students examine management in place and propose potential management of issues.
The program includes:
- Examination of history at this location and how this impacts today (traditional and contemporary management)
- Examination and measurement of coastal processes (biophysical factors)
- Walk of area to survey human impacts, issues, management
- Water quality testing
- Vegetation transect
- Field sketch
- Identification of management strategies in a coastal environment
- Use of specialist fieldwork equipment and technology (GPS)
For further information on curriculum links, program and excursion information see below or contact the Centre.
Further Information
Location
Redhead Beach
Students meet at Webb Park, Beach Road Redhead at 10:00am. The excursion takes place in Webb Park, on the beach adjacent to Webb Park and around the Redhead SLSC. Toilet facilities are available at the park. Students are collected from Webb Park at 2:00pm.
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
Content
Ecosystems at Risk
Students learn to:
Investigate and communicate geographically by:
- Asking and addressing geographical questions such as:
- What action is appropriate for managing coastal ecosystems?
- What will coastal environments be like in the future?
- Use geographical skills and tools such as:
- Construct a precis map to describe spatial patterns
- Complete fieldwork to explain human impacts on a coastal ecosystem at risk
- Use GIS to examine spatial and ecological issues relevant to the protection and management of coastal ecosystems
Students learn about:
Ecosystems and their management
- Biophysical interactions which lead to diverse ecosystems and their functioning
- Vulnerability and resilience of ecosystems
- Impacts due to natural stress
- Impacts due to human induced modifications
- The importance of ecosystem management and protection
- Maintenance of genetic diversity
- Utility values
- Intrinsic values
- Heritage values
- Need to allow natural change to proceed
- Evaluation of traditional and contemporary management strategies
Bus information
On the day come directly to Webb Park, Beach Road Redhead. Student transport drops off students at this location to commence excursion at 10:00am.
Transport collects students at 2:00pm at Webb Park, Beach Road, Redhead.
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 - 10:15 am
Learning activities - 10:30am
Lunch - 12:00pm
Learning activties - 12:30pm
Finish - 2:00pm
Students will have morning tea and lunch in Webb Park. Toilet facilities are available here. 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.