Coastal Studies- Merewether Beach
Science and Technology
Program
Students explore the rock platform and beach environment, participating in investigations looking at the physical conditions of these environments and adaptations that help living things survive in these conditions. Students also learn about actions they can take in creating a sustainable future in this environment.
Activities:
- Students explore the rock pools to observe animals and their adaptations.
- Students conduct an investigation into the effect of rock pool water depth on biodiversity.
- Students investigate the physical conditions on the beach including measuring air temperature, wind speed and sand temperature. Students discuss the adaptations of dune plants to survive in these conditions.
- Students participate in an AUSMAP (Australian Microplastics Assessment Project) citizen science activity.
- Students make 3D models of marine creatures out of sand and materials found on the beach. Students discuss actions that they can take to use these environments sustainably.
The basic program will be changed to suit the group size and weather conditions.
For further information on curriculum links, the program and excursion information see below or contact us.
| What to bring |
Printed worksheets in colour, 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. |
| Bus information | Drop off and collection at Mereweather Ocean Baths, Fredrick Street, Merewether. Drop students on Fredrick Street and students walk down the the ocean baths. |
| 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 with less than three school weeks notice may incur an administration fee. This does not apply to cancellations due to weather or fire danger. |
Introduction - 10:00 am
Morning tea - 10:10 am
Two learning activities - 10:30am
Lunch - 12:00pm
Two learning activties - 12:30pm
Finish- 2:00pm
This timetable is only a guide and may be adjusted.
Toilet facilities are available at Merewether Baths. If available, a covered shelter with picnic tables is utilised for recess and lunch breaks.
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Science and technology outcomes A student:
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Key inquiry questions How do physical conditions affect the survival of living things? How do the structural and behavioural features of living things support survival? Focus question: Why is it important for food and/or fibre to be produced sustainably? |
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Content Living world Growth and survival of living things Students:
Adaptations of living things Students:
Sustainably managing environments to source food and fibre Explain a sustainable practice used by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities to manage food and fibre resources |