Investigating Science- module 2
Wetlands Campus
Program
Students participate in a collaborative investigation to collect qualitative and quantitative primary data to investigate the water quality of the wetland. Students make inferences and draw conclusions from their observations. Students observe and discuss how humans can impact on water quality and management solutions. 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 assess the water quality the wetland ecosystem using a variety of sampling techniques.
- Biotic investigations – Students collect aquatic macroinvertebrates using dip nets to calculate the biodiversity and abundance of pond animals at two sites. Students use this data to infer the water quality of the wetland by looking at the pollution sensitivity of animals and calculating the Stream Pollution Index and taxa richness of the wetland.
- Human impact investigation- Discussion on the past human activity and subsequent impacts on this wetland ecosystem including the water quality. Strategies used to rehabilitate the site and past management practices.
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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Investigating Science outcomes A student:
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Content Module 2: Cause & Effect- Inferences & Generalisations Observations and InferencesInquiry question: What inferences can be drawn from observations? Students conduct a collaborative practical investigation on the water quality of a pond and collect a range of qualitative and quantitative primary data. Students make inferences and conclusions derived from the primary data collected in this collaborative practical investigation. |