Lesson goals 

The lesson aims to develop students' understanding of the Illawarra-Shoalhaven subtropical rainforests by exploring their spatial and ecological characteristics.

Lesson description

The lesson explores the Illawarra-Shoalhaven subtropical rainforests, focusing on their spatial and ecological characteristics. Students use Google Earth and topographic maps to examine subtropical zones, elevation, and the extent of NSW rainforests. Key topics include the Illawarra escarpment, orographic rainfall, and biodiversity, with emphasis on indicator species. Fieldwork tasks like constructing elevation profiles and using quadrats and transects to assess biodiversity enhance their geographic skills. 

Estimated time

2 lessons (~100 minutes)

Supporting materials

• Lesson 1 worksheet - Characteristics of the subtropical rainforests of the Illawarra-Shoalhaven

• Excel spreadsheet for elevation profiles

• Topographic maps - Minnamurra Rainforest and Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area.  

•  Subtropical regions of the world - Meteoblue 

• Satellite imagery of the Illawarra-Shoalhaven area on Google Earth 

• NSW SEED map - topographic/choropleth map

• Quadrat sampling instructional video

• Belt transect instructional video

Focus Area

Ecosystems and Global Biodiversity 

• Investigation of ecosystems

Outcomes

Content

• The characteristics of the ecosystem, including its spatial pattern and the nature of its biodiversity

Geographic skills and tools   

Maps

Topographic maps, choropleth maps.

• Determine area and grid references, and degrees and minutes of latitude and longitude

• Interpret contour lines

• Calculate the gradient of a slope as a ratio

• Use scale to calculate distance and area

• Interpret choropleth maps

• Identify and describe spatial patterns and associations, relationships, networks, linkages and evidence of change, within and between regions or areas, using a range of maps

Graphs and statistics

Data tables, column and bar graphs, and line graphs

• Construct, interpret and analyse tables and graphs

Spatial technologies

Satellite images, GIS

• Represent spatial information in a variety of forms

• Use spatial technologies to calculate, analyse and compare patterns, distributions and densities

• Use spatial information to determine connections, impacts and changes over time

Visual representations

Photographs, aerial photographs, satellite images, multimedia

• Estimate the scale of aerial photographs and satellite images

• Use aerial photographs and satellite images to describe the rate and extent of change

• Identify and describe spatial patterns and associations, interactions and change using a range of visual representations

Lesson goals 

The goal of this lesson is to help students understand how vulnerability, resilience, and ecological disturbance interact in subtropical rainforests, and how biodiversity supports ecosystem recovery and stability in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region. 

Lesson description

This lesson explores the dynamics of subtropical rainforest ecosystems, focusing on their structure and function. Students will examine how the canopy, understory, epiphytes, and forest floor contribute to processes like nutrient cycling, water regulation, and habitat creation. The lesson also covers the impacts of disturbances, emphasising the importance of biodiversity, ecosystem stability, vulnerability, and resilience in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region. 

Estimated time

80 minutes

Supporting materials

• Lesson 2 worksheet - The dynamics of ecosystem functioning, including vulnerability, resilience and ecological disturbance.

• Illawarra-Shoalhaven subtropical rainforest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion (map) 

• Illawarra Climate Change Snapshot (2014)

• NSW SEED map website

Focus Area

Ecosystems and Global Biodiversity 

• Investigation of ecosystems

Outcomes

Content

• Resilience and vulnerability of the Illawarra-Shoalhaven rainforests

Geographic skills and tools   

Maps

Topographic maps

• Identify and describe spatial patterns and associations, relationships, networks, linkages and evidence of change, within and between regions or areas, using a range of maps
  
  

Spatial technologies

Satellite images, GIS

• Use spatial information to determine connections, impacts and changes over time

Visual representations

Photographs, annotated diagrams, multimedia, web tools.

• Identify and describe spatial patterns and associations, interactions and change using a range of visual representations

Lesson goals 

The goals of this lesson are for students to understand the significance of human-induced changes to the Illawarra-Shoalhaven subtropical rainforests, with particular emphasis on the impacts of European settlement. Furthermore, students will understand that human-induced modifications, in contrast to natural disturbances, can result in long-lasting effects on the rainforest ecosystem, increasing its vulnerability. 

Lesson description

In this lesson, students will learn about the significant human-induced changes to the Illawarra-Shoalhaven subtropical rainforests, focusing on the historical practices of the Dharawal Nation and the impacts of European settlement. They will explore the consequences of land clearing for agriculture, logging, and urban development, alongside the effects of climate change and invasive species on biodiversity and ecosystem health. Students will create a timeline of key modifications to the rainforest ecosystem and analyse climate projections for the region, proposing the effects in the rainforest ecosystem. Additionally, students will evaluate the consequences of potential tipping points, including habitat connectivity loss, altered fire regimes, and invasive species proliferation, and how these could lead to irreversible changes in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven rainforests. 

Estimated time

40 minutes 

Supporting materials

• Lesson 3 worksheet - Human-induced modifications 

• NSW Climate Projections Map

• Illawarra Climate Change page

Focus Area

Ecosystems and Global Biodiversity 

• Investigation of ecosystems

Outcomes

Content

• Human-induced modifications to the ecosystem
  
  

Geographic skills and tools 

Maps

Choropleth maps.

• Interpret choropleth maps
  
  

Visual representations

Photographs, illustrations, web tools.

• Use aerial photographs and satellite images to describe the rate and extent of change

• Identify and describe spatial patterns and associations, interactions and change using a range of visual representations

Excursion goals 

The excursion aims to assess rainforest health by investigating biodiversity, human impacts, and ecosystem resilience, with a focus on the effects of historical and ongoing disturbances. 

Excursion description

This excursion explores the subtropical rainforests of the Illawarra Escarpment, with all activities based at the Illawarra Rhododendron and Rainforest Gardens. The site is carefully managed to support rainforest regeneration through targeted weed control and efforts to reduce deer impacts. Students will conduct a range of fieldwork activities, including plant and animal diversity surveys, assessments of succession and resilience, and evaluations of weed impacts. They will also investigate the effects of the Cedar-tip moth on Red Cedars, examining both historical impacts and its influence on current regeneration efforts. 

Estimated time

5 hours (9.30am - 2.00pm)

Contact information 

Please contact Illawarra Environmental Education Centre to book your excursion and discuss excursion information. 

PH: (02) 42376100.    E: illawarra-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Arrival and departure

Illawarra Rhododendron and Rainforest Gardens,
Parrish Avenue, Mt Pleasant, NSW, 2519. 

Supporting materials  

• Excursion information flyer 

• Risk assessment (Mt Keira fieldwork)

• Student excursion booklet   (IEEC will print and bring on the day)

• Sample spreadsheet for data collection 

Lesson goals 

The lesson aims to help students improve their data analysis and interpretation skills and draw evidence-based conclusions about the Illawarra rainforest's vulnerability and resilience. 

Lesson description

In this lesson, students will process and analyse the data collected during the excursion. They will enter their field data into pre-programmed and formatted spreadsheets that automatically generate the required graphs. The graphs will allow students to interpret findings on biodiversity, ecosystem vulnerability, resilience, and human impacts. They will also perform comparative analysis to classify rainforest types, assess plant and animal diversity, evaluate ecosystem succession stages, and determine the impact of invasive species and historical logging, including Red Cedar recovery. 

Estimated time

40 minutes

Supporting materials

• Data processing and analysis spreadsheet. 

• Sample spreadsheet for data collection 

Focus Area 

  Ecosystems and Global Biodiversity 

• Investigation of ecosystems

Outcomes

Geographic skills and tools  

Fieldwork

• Synthesise and interpret fieldwork data

• Evaluate a fieldwork activity
  
  

Graphs and statistics

Data tables, column graphs, compound bar graphs and line graphs.

• Construct, interpret and analyse tables and graphs

Lesson goals 

The goals of this lesson are for students to understand how conservation strategies are maintaining and enhancing the resilience of the Illawarra-Shoalhaven subtropical rainforest. 

Lesson description

Students explore conservation efforts aimed at maintaining and restoring the resilience of the Illawarra-Shoalhaven subtropical rainforest by investigating three key areas:

• Habitat Connectivity: Learn how the Great Eastern Ranges Initiative (GER)  enhances wildlife movement and resilience through corridors and buffer zones.

• Invasive Species Management: Evaluate control methods like herbicide use and culling for deer, goats, and lantana.

• Fire Management: Analyse strategies in the Milton-Ulladulla region to protect biodiversity against climate change and bushfire threats.

Students will also explore the concept of shifting baselines, examining how changes in public perception over generations can affect conservation goals. They will assess whether current targets reflect the rainforest's original condition or if they have been adjusted to accommodate a more degraded state, limiting the potential for full ecosystem recovery. 

Focus Area

Ecosystems and Global Biodiversity 

Outcomes

Content

• Responses and strategies, including for maintaining ecosystem functioning and actions for sustainability

Estimated time

40 minutes

Supporting materials

•  Lesson 5 worksheet - Responses and strategies, including for maintaining ecosystem functioning and actions for sustainability

Lesson goals 

The goals of this lesson are for students to critically evaluate ecosystem management strategies in the Misiones Rainforest and compare them with those in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven subtropical rainforests. 

Lesson description

In this lesson, students will explore the subtropical rainforests of Misiones, Argentina, and examine the threats to its biodiversity. They will analyse ecosystem management strategies in the Misiones Rainforest, considering how economic, political, and sociocultural factors shape these practices. Students will then compare these strategies with those used in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven subtropical rainforests. Key focus areas include the role of Indigenous knowledge, the economic influence of eco-tourism, government land management policies, community involvement in conservation, and biodiversity initiatives aimed at protecting endemic species and strengthening ecological resilience against climate change. 

Estimated time

40 minutes

Supporting materials

•  Lesson 6  worksheet - Differences in ecosystem management

• Global Forest Watch - forest cover  interactive webtool 

Focus Area

Ecosystems and Global Biodiversity 

• Investigation of ecosystems

Outcomes

Content

• Differences in ecosystem management. compared with a least one other location, due to economic, political and sociocultural factors 

Geographic skills and tools   

Visual representations

Photographs, satellite images, web tools.

• Use aerial photographs and satellite images to describe the rate and extent of change

• Identify and describe spatial patterns and associations, interactions and change using a range of visual representations

Lesson goals 

For students to understand the conservation strategies in place to protect the Illawarra-Shoalhaven subtropical rainforest. 

Lesson description

In this lesson, students will role-play as environmental managers using innovative technologies (drones, sniffer dogs, eDNA analysis, GIS mapping, and seed banks) to tackle rainforest challenges like myrtle rust outbreaks, habitat fragmentation, and invasive species. Working in groups, they will develop solutions that consider real-world constraints such as cost and environmental impact. This exercise aims to enhance their understanding of technology in sustainable rainforest management, foster critical thinking, and promote collaboration. Students will present their solutions, comparing the effectiveness and sustainability of each approach, reinforcing theoretical knowledge with practical applications in environmental stewardship. 

Estimated time

40 minutes

Supporting materials

• Lesson 7 worksheet - The role of contemporary research and innovation in the sustainable management of the ecosystem

Focus Area

Ecosystems and Global Biodiversity 

• Investigation of ecosystems

Outcomes

Content

• The role of contemporary research and innovation in the sustainable management of the ecosystem