Earth and Environmental Science- Module 4 Human Impacts- Introduced Species
Wetlands Campus
Program
Students conduct an investigation into a number of introduced species in the wetland ecosystem including mosquito fish and alligator weed. Students undertake practical tasks and have the opportunity to observe and discuss introduced species, their impact on the ecosystem and control methods.
Activities:
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Introduction and background to the introduced species being studied
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Students collect data on abiotic factors in the wetland ecosystem and compare to acceptable ranges (water depth, air temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, water temperature, pH, turbidity)
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Students collect aquatic macroinvertebrates using dip nets at two locations to determine biodiversity and the impact of introduced species
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Students walk through the wetland ecosystem observing and discussing introduced species on the site, biotic and abiotic effects of the species, control or mitigation methods and human impacts that favour the introduced species.
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Conclusion to the day and discussion of validity, reliability, impact of one species on another.
This program may be used as part of a depth study.
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. |
IIntroduction - 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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Earth and Environmental Science outcomes A student:
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Content Module 4: Human Impacts Effects of Introduced Species Inquiry question: How do introduced species affect the Australian environment and ecosystems?
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