Living systems
Science
Program
Students take on the role of an ecologist to determine if there are suitable ecosystems in Awabakal Nature Reserve for squirrel glider habitat.
Students walk through Awabakal Nature Reserve investigating two ecosystems. Students use equipment to collect data and make observations of the abiotic and biotic factors. Students compare data from the Coastal Heath and Open Forest ecosystems and discuss the interactions between factors. Students complete a leaf litter invertebrate survey to collect data to construct a food web. Students determine if there is suitable habitat for squirrel gliders based on their observations and data collected.
Activities:
- students collect and compare abiotic data in 2 ecosystems (e.g. air temperature, aspect, wind direction, wind speed, light and soil moisture).
- Students collect and compare biotic data in 2 ecosystems (e.g. tree height, canopy foliage cover, tree hollows).
- Students use identification charts to identify vegetation and complete a botanical sketch.
- Students collect data on the seasonal availability of flowering plants to contribute to a data set.
- Students complete a leaf litter invertebrate survey and construct a food web.
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 |
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. |
| 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 - 10:00am
Walk and learning activities - 10:15am
Lunch - 12:00pm
Walk and learning activities - 12:20pm
Finish- 2:00pm
This timetable is only a guide and may be adjusted.
|
Science outcomes A student:
|
|
Content
|