Classification
Science
Program
Students will undertake an investigation to identify organisms, their structural features and adaptations in a wetland ecosystem. Students will use equipment to collect data and make observations.
Activities:
- Students use dip nets to collect aquatic macroinvertebrate organisms from the wetland. Students use microscopes to identify animals, observe features and adaptations. Students complete scientific drawings of two animals.
- Students use a dichotomous key to identify animals. Students observe and record structural features of animals in the animal house (e.g. eel, blue tongue lizard, turtles, pythons) to create a dichotomous key.
- Students will use a GPS and a compass to navigate their way around the wetlands learning about how plants and animals are classified in Aboriginal culture.
- Students will complete an investigation to assess the health of the habitat at two locations in the wetlands. Students make a prediction, collect data and analyse results to draw a conclusion. Students will also discuss how the methods of the investigation could be improved (students will make observations on vegetation, and measure physical factors such as water temperature, pH, turbidity and dissolved oxygen).
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
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.
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Science outcomes A student:
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Content Classification of living things
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