Stage 5
Students investigate two ecosystems within the Awabakal Nature Reserve. Students measure the abiotic factors and discuss how changes in biotic or abiotic components effect populations or communities in these ecosystems. Classification, adaptations and the use of simple keys to identify a range of plants and animals are investigated. Students discuss how Aboriginal management practices contributed to the conservation and management of sustainable ecosystems and evaluate the strategies used to balance human use and conservation in the Nature Reserve.
Activities:
• Abiotic testing in Coastal Heath
• Abiotic testing in Freshwater Lagoon and discussion of the impact of human activities
• Use of a simple key to identify plants
• Plant investigation to identify adaptations
• Dip netting, abundance and energy flow of freshwater lagoon animals
• Discussion of Aboriginal conservation and sustainability management practices
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.
Students come directly to Awabakal Environmental Education Centre (AEEC), 51 Boundary Street, Dudley for a toilet stop, while transport remains at AEEC.
Students are reloaded onto buses and transported to the end of Ocean Street, Dudley where they enter Awabakal Nature Reserve.
The excursion commences at 10.00am. Students walk to AEEC through Awabakal Nature Reserve. The walk is approximately 3 km on well-defined bush tracks. There are no toilets available on this part of the excursion.
The excursion concludes at AEEC at 2:00pm.
Syllabus outcomes and content
Stage 5 Science outcomes
A student:
- analyses interactions between components and processes within biological systems SC5-14LW
- appreciates the importance of science in their lives and the role of scientific inquiry in increasing understanding of the world around them SC5-1VA
- shows a willingness to engage in finding solutions to science-related personal, social and global issues, including shaping sustainable futures SC5-2VA
- undertakes first-hand investigations to collect valid and reliable data and information, individually and collaboratively SC5-6WS
- processes, analyses and evaluates data from first-hand investigations and secondary sources to develop evidence-based arguments and conclusions SC5-7WS
- applies scientific understanding and critical thinking skills to suggest possible solutions to identified problems SC5-8WS
Content
Living world
LW2: Conserving and maintaining the quality and sustainability of the environment requires scientific understanding of interactions within, the cycling of matter and the flow of energy through ecosystems.
Learning across the curriculum
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures
Sustainability
Critical and creative thinking
Civics and citizenship
Bus information
Students come directly to Awabakal Environmental Education Centre (AEEC), 51 Boundary Street, Dudley for a toilet stop, while transport remains at AEEC. Students are reloaded onto buses and transported to the end of Ocean Street, Dudley.
Buses collect students from the AEEC 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
Walk and learning activities - 10:15am
Lunch - 12:00pm
Walk and learning activities - 12:20pm
Finish - 2:00pm
Students will have morning tea and lunch on the grounds of the AEEC or 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.