Biology- module 3 and 4
Wetlands Campus
Program
Students engage in first hand investigations using a variety of sampling techniques to obtain data that will allow them to expand on their understanding of biological concepts whilst analysing the biotic and abiotic factors operating within the wetland ecosystem. Students participate in collaborative investigation to collect qualitative and quantitative primary data, discuss the validity and reliability of data and improvement to fieldwork methods. This program may be used as part of a depth study.
Prior to the fieldwork- students are asked to complete a pre learning activity.
Activities:
- Abiotic investigations- measuring abiotic factors to investigate their impact on a wetland ecosystem and to determine the water quality (including measuring: water and air temperature, humidity, water depth, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and using data loggers in fresh and brackish systems).
- Biotic investigations – collection aquatic macroinvertebrates using dip nets to compare biodiversity and abundance of pond animals at two sites. Students can use their qualitative and quantitative data collection of abiotic and biotic factors to make inferences about the species diversity and abundance. Students use microscopes to sketch and examine pond animals to describe adaptations. Students discuss mosquito fish and the impact this species will have on the community. Students observe adaptations of mangroves and casuarinas.
- Human impact investigation- Discussion on the past human activity and subsequent impacts on this wetland ecosystem including the water quality. Discussion and observation of strategies used to rehabilitate the site and past management practices that have informed future management approaches.
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 - 9:30am
Learning activity - 9:50am
Learning activity - 11.00am
Lunch - 12:10pm
Learning activity - 12:40pm
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? |