Biology- Module 3 and 4
Dudley Campus
Program
Students walk through four ecosystems within Awabakal Nature Reserve using a variety of sampling techniques to obtain data and analyse the biotic and abiotic factors. Students participate in collaborative investigations to collect qualitative and quantitative primary data, discuss the validity and reliability of data and improvement to fieldwork methods. Students can make inferences and draw conclusions from data collected. This program may be used as part of a depth study.
Activities:
- Students collect abiotic data to predict their effect on organisms in four different ecosystems (including measuring: air temperature, humidity, aspect, soil pH and soil moisture using data loggers and other field equipment)
- Students measure the diversity and abundance of plant species in four different ecosystems
- Students observe and describe the impact of biotic factors including predation, competition, and symbiotic relationships
- Students investigate the adaptations of a given plant. Make observations of this plant species at two different locations to make inferences on the effect of abiotic factors on the growth of this plant.
- Students investigate how human activity can impact on these ecosystems e.g. fire, sand mining and introduced species
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 are dropped off at Awabakal Environmental Education Centre (AEEC), 51 Boundary Street, Dudley at 9:30am. Buses collect students from the end of Ocean Street, Dudley 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 - 9:30am
Data collection - 10:00am
Recess - 10:30am
Walk and data collection - 10:45am
Lunch - 1:00pm
Walk and data collection - 1:15pm
Finish - 2:00pm
This timetable is only a guide and may be adjusted.
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Biology outcomes A student:
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Content Module 3: Biological Diversity Effects of the Environment on Organisms - Inquiry question: How do environmental pressures promote a change in species diversity and abundance? Adaptations - Inquiry question: How do adaptations increase the organism’s ability to survive? Module 4: Ecosystem Dynamics Population Dynamics - Inquiry question: What effect can one species have on the other species in a community? Future Ecosystems - Inquiry question: How can human activity impact on an ecosystem? |