Geography- Ecosystems and Global Biodiversity
Wetlands Campus
Program
Students investigate the characteristics and nature of biodiversity of this wetland ecosystem through collecting primary data on system components and conducting aquatic macroinvertebrate survey. Students observe human induced modifications to the ecosystem and strategies to maintain ecosystem functioning and actions for sustainability. Students discuss the dynamics of ecosystem functioning in this wetland ecosystem.
Activities:
- Investigation into the characteristics of the ecosystem including water and air temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, water depth, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and salinity, using various equipment and data loggers.
- Construction of a flow chart to represent the interaction of factors and systems that influence the characteristics of the wetland ecosystem.
- Investigation of the nature of biodiversity in the ecosystem through the sampling of aquatic macro invertebrates to calculate the species diversity and abundance.
- Discussion of economic, political and sociocultural factors that influence the management of the wetlands at the Hunter Wetlands Centre.
- Walk through the wetlands observing the human induced modifications and ecosystem management for sustainability.
- Discussion of the vulnerability and resilience of this ecosystem.
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.
Awabakal Environmental Education Centre- Wetlands Campus located at the Hunter Wetlands Centre 412 Sandgate Road, Shortland.
Please use school entry.
Wetlands Campus is located at the Hunter Wetlands Centre, which is a managed wetland reserve with natural and artificial water features accessed by decks and established walking tracks. The site is classified as part of the Hunter Estuary Ramsar Site under the International Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar).
| 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 - 10:00am
Learning activities - 10:15am
Break - 11.15am
Learning activities - 11.30am
Lunch - 12:30pm
Learning activities - 12:50pm
Depart - 2:00pm
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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