Ecosystem Dynamics Excursions

ROCK PLATFORM 

Location

Long Reef Rock Platform, Collaroy

Excursion Synopsis

Students will examine the distribution and abundance of tidal rockshelf animals using quadrats and study zonation using a transect. 

Abiotic components such as temperature and salinity will be measured and human impact will be discussed. Relationships between organisms will be studied and a species list will be generated. 

A producer and a consumer organism will be identified using a key and studied in detail to observe their structural features and adaptations. 

Independent Research Project

An Independent Research Project based on Ecosystem Dynamics at Long Reef can be conducted, suitable for an independent depth study. Prior to the field study, an equipment list, equipment instructions sheet, and worksheets are sent to the booking teacher, allowing students to design their own investigation based on the pre-excursion reading. On the day, Auseco instructors will help students refine their investigation and guide students through use of experimental equipment and sampling techniques.

Please note: The Independent Research Project is only available for small groups (< 30 students) due to restrictions on equipment and space. Due to the level of preparation and pre-excursion research, the program is best suited for highly motivated students and teachers.

WETLANDS

Location 

Botany Bay, Towra Point 

Excursion Synopsis

Students study in detail four main components of this habitat – Seagrass, Mangroves, Salt Marsh and Sand Dunes. Chemical and physical tests allow students to detail the differences in these environments. 

A plant transect study shows the progression and change of dominate plant species. The mangrove is a very unique organism, students learn of its adaptations and characteristics first hand. 

Quadrats are used to measure distribution and abundance of animals with the mangrove forest. A seagrass animal catch gives students the opportunity to capture and study the local marine life.  Relationships between organsims will be studied and a species list will be generated.

BUSHLAND

Location

Camp Kedron, Ingleside 

Bantry Bay, Forestville

Camp Coutts, Heathcote

Excursion Synopsis

Students will compare two plant communities by measuring abiotic factors such as temperature, soil moisture, soil depth, pH and aspect. Quadrats will be used to measure distribution and abundance of trees. 

A native plant and an animal will be studied in detail to observe their structural features and adaptations. 

Students will observe and identify relationships between organisms studied throughout the day. Human impacts in this ecosystem will be observed and discussed.

RAINFOREST

Location 

Mt Keira, Wollongong 

Excursion Synopsis 

Students will focus on the rainforest community but will superficially compare it to the adjacent sclerophyll forest by observing the vegetation. In the rainforest students will measure abiotic factors such as soil moisture and soil pH. Quadrats will be used to measure distribution and abundance of rainforest trees. 

A plant and an animal will be identified and studied in detail to observe their structural features and adaptations. 

Relationships between organisms will be studied and human impacts on the rainforest will be observed and discussed.  

On this Depth Study day, students will engage with Taronga’s scientists and experts to deepen their understanding of risks threatening wildlife populations and conservation efforts that are trying to protect them. 

Biodiversity is not a luxury – it is a necessity. Global trends indicate wildlife population numbers are decreasing dramatically due to natural and human influences. As a conservation society fighting for the survival of wildlife around the world, Taronga is perfectly placed to engage students with depth studies on such topics. 

Students will design initiatives that empower people to take action to reduce threats to wildlife and ecosystems.  

What's involved

This full day program is available at Taronga Zoo Sydney. See below for further information.

This excursion will contribute five hours to a depth study and can be complimented by pre and post Zoo visit activities.  

At the Zoo

This full day, five hour program includes: 

• Presentations and activities delivered by working scientists, keepers and teachers at the Zoo about human impacts (e.g. habitat loss, marine pollution, introduced species) and efforts to increase population numbers 

• Data analysis from authentic research and conservation projects 

• Exposure to technologies used in conservation science 

• Up-close animal encounters 

Cost

$22 - per student

One adult per 5 students FREE

$36.50 - additional adults

Maximum 60 students per day

Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding:

• BIO11-10 describes biological diversity by explaining the relationships between a range of organisms in terms of specialisation for selected habitats and evolution of species  

• BIO11-11 analyses ecosystem dynamics and the interrelationships of organisms within the ecosystem  

• EES11-11 describes human impact on the Earth in relation to hydrological processes, geological processes and biological changes  

Working Scientifically:

• BIO11-1 / EES11-1 Questioning and predicting

• BIO11-7 / EES11-7 Communicating  

• BIO11-5 / EES11-5 Analysing data and information  

• BIO11-6 / EES11-6 Problem solving

Wildlife at Risk is a Depth Study available to Year 11 students. 

The program can be booked online and is subject to limited availability.

This fieldwork resource has been prepared by the Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre (EEC) to support students who are learning from home or are otherwise unable to attend a Field of Mars excursion.

• At the bottom of every other page is a quiz-style learning task. Teachers can modify these tasks or write their own.

• All embedded videos and photos are important. You may need to open the videos and 360 tours in a new tab if you are working on a task

• The virtual fieldwork page is a simulated fieldwork experience. Students gather and process data. Teachers may use this for a task

• The resource page contains extension material for depth studies and assessments. Teachers, please contact the centre for more info.

Interactive video conferencing sessions to support this resource can be arranged with Field of Mars EEC.   For more information, contact the centre.

The site is located at Sackville North on a ridge above the Hawkesbury River.  The natural vegetation of the area has been modified by farming practices, school buildings and rural residential properties.

The land was originally inhabited by the Darug Aboriginal nation and presumably was not greatly altered during that time.  The Sackville – Windsor area was considered suitable for farming and was settled in 1810.  The vegetation was severely modified following settlement.  This was initially restricted to the flood plain immediately adjacent to the river.

Sackville North Public School was located on the site from 1878-1972. Brewongle Field Studies Centre was opened officially in 1979 after the site was used for camping in the interim. It is now called Brewongle Environmental Education Centre and is a facility that hosts other schools on day and camp visits.

The site has been classified as having the vegetation community of Sydney Sandstone Gully Forest and Shale Sandstone Transition Forest with dominant tree species including Grey Gum (Eucalyptus punctata), and Grey Myrtle (Backhousia myrtifolia).

In-depth study for year 11 Biology students.

Inquiry Question:  “What effect can one species have on the other species in a community?”

• investigate and determine relationships between biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem, including: ACSBL019

• the impact of abiotic factors ACSBL021, ACSBL022, ACSBL025

• the impact of biotic factors, including predation, competition and symbiotic relationships ACSBL024

• the ecological niches occupied by species ACSBL023

• predicting consequences for populations in ecosystems due to predation, competition, symbiosis and disease ACSBL019, ACSBL020

• measuring populations of organisms using sampling techniques ACSBL003, ACSBL015

• DET Schools $10 per student (GST free) + $1.10 for Warrumbungle National Park day entry; Non-DET Schools $15 per student (GST free) + $1.10 for Warrumbungle National Park day entry

Future of Minnamurra River 

Ecosystem dynamics / Biological diversity

Inquiry and focus questions

• What effect can one species have on another species in a community?

• How can human activity impact on an ecosystem?

• How do adaptations increase the organism’s ability to survive?

Program overview

Students begin their depth study by researching the river ecosystems, adaptations for survival and potential impacts of climate change. The fieldwork day allows students to develop an hypothesis and conduct an investigation into the current state of the ecosystems. Back at school students complete their depth study using their first hand data and secondary sources of data and information that helps them conclude the future of the river. Students are asked to consider their audience when developing a communication piece that addresses mitigation strategies.  

This program can be completed as fieldwork or combined with pre and post visit research to complete a Depth Study.

The Year 11 Biology program Mangrove Ecosystems will provide students with an opportunity to learn about the dynamic nature of mangrove ecosystems, through research and fieldwork, to help answer the inquiry question:

HOW DO HUMANS IMPACT ON THE MANGROVE ECOSYSTEM AT BOBBIN HEAD?

The program includes fieldwork components for aspects of Module 3 Biological Diversity and Module 4 Ecosystems Dynamics and is made up of three components:

1. Pre visit research

2. Fieldwork (at Bobbin Head)

3. Post visit and Depth Study (optional)

The program can contribute up to 12 hours for those wishing to use this to complete a depth study.

Teacher Programming Outline

Watch and listen to a Wetland Scientist talk about Bobbin Head and the process of studying mangroves. This is a fantastic resource.

Read the article ‘Rising seas allow coastal wetlands to store more carbon’ by Dr Jeff et.al.

Download the student fieldwork booklet (please print a copy for each student)

To make a booking, please click here.

Bobbin Head Picnic Area, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Postal Address: PO Box 3276 ASQUITH NSW 2077

Email: gibberagon-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Phone: 02 9457 8245

Fax: 02 9457 8182

VMR:  600571417

The Lachlan Wetlands: a Dynamic Ecosystem excursion provides year 11 biology students with the opportunity to collect a variety of data for a depth study exploring ecosystem dynamics within an urban wetland and grey-headed flying fox colony. This excursion is linked to  Module 4. 

Stage 6 Biology (Module 4)*

Students will gain an understanding of the Lachlan Wetland through scientific investigation and use their knowledge to make predictions about the future of this ecosystem.

Lachlan Wetlands excursion activities:

• Measuring biotic and abiotic factors along a transect to determine relationships between them

• Identifying impacts of environmental and human pressures on the ecosystem

• Working in small groups to design a monitoring and management plan for an ecosystem pressure.

Curriculum links and syllabus outcomes:

• BIO11/12-1 develops and evaluates questions and hypotheses for scientific investigation

• BIO11/12-3 conducts investigations to collect valid and reliable primary and secondary data and information

• BIO11-11 analyses ecosystem dynamics and the interrelationships of organisms within the ecosystem

*Module 3 activities can be substituted upon teacher request.

Location

The WILD PLAY Discovery Centre

Contact

education@centennialparklands.com.au

Duration

Full Day

Cost

Please contact us for more information

Ecosystem Dynamics – Population Dynamics | Stage 6 |  Biology

This excursion addresses outcomes from the NESA Stage 6 Biology.

This Excursion can also be used as a model for a DEPTH STUDY (5 Hours) 

Note: This excursion can be combined with Investigating Science.

Focus – ‘Ecosystem Dynamics’ – Population Dynamics

This unique and highly engaging program allows students to perform a first-hand investigation to measure a range of abiotic and biotic factors in a freshwater ecosystem using various scientific equipment and data collection methods. Students measure populations of organisms using sampling techniques. Students then analyse the data collected and observe the abiotic-biotic relationships that exist and their interdependence. An example of a recent local extinction event through predation is explained. There is also a look at past and future ecosystems at Penrith Lakes.

Click here to view excursion program, worksheet and risk assessment.

Click here to go to Pre/Post Resources