Living wetlands and mangroves- Wetlands Campus
Science and Technology
Program
Students investigate a freshwater wetland ecosystem, measure water quality and weather, examine wetland animal and plant species along with their adaptations which assist their survival. A comparison will be made with mangroves in a brackish wetland at another location on site. Traditional land use and management practices will also be discussed.
Activities:
- Students measure, record and assess the physical conditions in freshwater and brackish wetlands using specialised equipment (students measure factors such as air temperature, wind speed, wind direction, water temperature, pH and turbidity).
- Students collect aquatic macro invertebrates using dip nets, use microscope to identify and sketch animals and describe adaptations.
- Students observe and discuss the adaptations of mangroves. Students visit the bushtucker garden and discuss Aboriginal sustainable management practices and participate in a seasonal calendar activity.
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 Awabakal Environmental Education Centre, Wetlands Campus located at Hunter Wetlands Centre, 412 Sandgate Rd, Shortland, Newcastle. Please use School entry. |
| 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 - 10:20 am
Learning activities - 10:50am
Lunch - 12:00pm
Learning activities - 12:30pm
Finish- 2:00pm
This timetable is only a guide and may be adjusted.
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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 Students:
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