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Working scientifically
Working scientifically
The Field of Mars EEC fieldwork is much more than just 'measuring the environment' and 'facts about plants and animals'.
The fieldwork, and these resources, are organised around the working scientifically skills outcomes of the Ecosystem dynamics module in the NSW Biology Stage 6 Syllabus (2017).
It is recommended for students to keep track of where they are in their fieldwork and investigations using the steps and language of the working scientifically skills outcomes diagram.
Working scientifically diagram NESA | © 2019 NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales
Inquiry questions
Inquiry questions
The Field of Mars EEC fieldwork is designed to answer three inquiry questions.
Teachers and students may choose to formulate their own inquiry questions for a related depth study.
Fieldwork inquiry questions
How do biotic and abiotic factors affect animal populations?
What fieldwork & analysis methodologies are needed for a valid and reliable habitat survey?
How can human activities impact natural ecosystems and how should the area be managed?
Risk management
Risk management
Fieldwork planning information
Fieldwork planning information
Video 1 – Introduction to Field of Mars EEC and the video series (0:48min)
Video 2 – Outline of the location and features of the Sugarloaf site (1:35min)
Video 3 – Outlines two organisms and their habitat needs (1:56min)
Video 4 – Outlines the investigation skills that will be used in the fieldwork (2:00min)
Video 5 – Outline of the biotic and abiotic factors at the Sugarloaf site (2:37min)
Video 6 – Outlines some interrelationships between biotic and abiotic factors (3:15min)
Fieldwork instrument use
Fieldwork instrument use
Video – Fieldwork instruments – part 1 (2:44min)
Measuring air temperature using the thermometer function of the Kestrel 3000 weather meter
Measuring relative humidity using the hygrometer function of the Kestrel 3000 weather meter
Measuring wind speed using the anemometer function of the Kestrel 3000 weather meter
Measuring light intensity using a light mete.
Notes about reliability, potential error and biases.
Video – Fieldwork instruments – part 2 (2:49min)
Definition of soil
Determining soil texture using a manual classification method
Measuring soil pH using the 'saturated paste' method
Measuring soil temperature using a soil temperature probe
Handling and disposal of chemical waste
Notes about reliability, potential error and biases.
Video – Fieldwork instruments – part 3 (2:37min)
Determining slope (gradient) using an inclinometer
Determining position (gradient) using a GPS or a smartphone app
Determining aspect using a compass
Strategies for ensuring reliable results
Notes about potential error and biases.
Data management
Data management
Fieldwork data collection. YouTube | Field of Mars EEC (2:21min)
Video – Fieldwork data collection and processing
Importance of reliable data collection
Common problems with fieldwork data collection
Use of Google sheets app for live data collection
Data processing techniques
Download the older format of the spreadsheet that was previously used to collect and process data in the field.
Download the PDF version of the unfilled spreadsheet.
Extension
Extension
Video – Meet the ecologists (30:07min)
The role of a professional ecologist
The differences between fieldwork and laboratory investigation data
Things to consider when planning fieldwork
Methods for surveying fauna
Methods for surveying flora
The role of bio-turbator organisms in an ecosystem
Difference between processing and analysing data
Challenges facing remnant bushland reserves in the Sydney region
Practical fieldwork advice.
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