Geography- Ecosystems and Global Biodiversity
Kooragang Island
Program
Students investigate the characteristics of this intertidal wetland ecosystem through collecting primary data on system components. Students observe human induced modifications to the ecosystem and strategies to maintain ecosystem functioning and actions for sustainability. Students discuss the uniqueness and value along with the dynamics of ecosystem functioning in this intertidal wetland ecosystem.
Activities:
- Site introduction including history, current use, discussion of value of this ecosystem and management.
- Investigation into the characteristics of the ecosystem through primary data collection at three sites (including: water and air temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction water temperature, pH, turbidity, soil moisture and soil pH).
- Distribution and abundance of plants using a vegetation quadrat, examination of topography and a vegetation profile.
- Examination of interactions of systems with flowcharts.
- Observation and discussion of human induced modifications to the ecosystem, responses and strategies for sustainability.
- Discussion of issues relating to climate change and the ability of this environment to adjust to change.
- Discussion of biocapacity, tipping points, feedback loops, vulnerability and resilience of this ecosystem.
There are no food facilities on Ash Island. Students will need to bring their food and drink for the entire day.
We suggest a quick toilet stop at McDonald’s Hexham, prior to meeting our teacher on the island. A drop toilet is available at the end of the day only.
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.
Ash Island, Pacific Hwy, Hexham, Newcastle.
The Kooragang Wetland Rehabilitation Project (KWRP) is located on Ash Island next to the Hunter River and a large urban area (Newcastle) in New South Wales. It is one of the largest active coastal rehabilitation projects in Australia. The wetlands feature expanses of mangrove and saltmarsh, and in non-tidal areas, riparian woodlands, remnants of lowland floodplain rainforest and ephemeral, freshwater wetlands.
| 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 |
The program will comence at the old Schoolhouse on Ash Island (off School House Road). Awabakal Environmental Education Centre teachers will meet you there. A map will be provided upon booking. Ash Island is accessed by turning off Maitland Road onto the bridge over the Hunter River near Hexham McDonalds. Transport will be needed throughout the day to transport the students to different points on the island. |
| 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
Recess - 10:15am
Learning activities - 10:30am
Lunch - 12:00pm
Learning activities - 12:30pm
Depart - 2:00pm
There are no food facilities on Ash Island. Students will need to bring their food and drink for the entire day.
A toilet is available at the end of the day only.
This timetable is only a guide and may be adjusted.
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Geography outcomes A student:
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Content Students investigate:
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