Learning activities

Pre-excursion work

Students are expected to complete pre-visit work to ensure they are able to complete the fieldwork.

Water quality fieldwork

Students will observe and infer the quality of the estuary water at Bobbin Head. They will then use scientific equipment to measure the water quality, including turbidity, pH and salinity to compare against their initial observations.

Observation and inference

Students will observe the two species of mangroves located in Bobbin Head to determine the differences and similarities. Through this process, they will learn about observation and inference.

Depending on the tide, students will observe and record the appearance and behaviour of the mangrove crabs and draw inferences about what they have observed. They will also use keys to determine the species that live on the mudflats.

Crab or vegetation distribution

Following the Working Scientifically process, they will observe and hypothesise to then plan and conduct an investigation for determining the abundance and distribution of crabs or vegetation across the intertidal zone.

Aboriginal knowledges of Country

Students will visit an Aboriginal cultural site to learn about the deep ecological understandings of the local Aboriginal Peoples, connecting scientific investigation with knowledge of Country.

Suggested timetable

Time	Class A, B	Class C, D
10.00am	Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome, Overview of the day
10.10am	Morning Tea
10.30am	Water quality	Observation and inference
11.15am	Aboriginal sustainable practices	Water quality
12.00pm	Lunch
12.30pm	Aboriginal sustainable practices	Crab or vegetation distribution
1.15pm	Crab or vegetation distribution	Aboriginal sustainable practices
2.00pm	Conclusion and depart

* Please call the centre if you have more than 4 classes

Syllabus outcomes

Science 7-10 Syllabus (2018)

Outcomes

• SC5-WS-01 selects and uses scientific tools and instruments for accurate observations
• SC5-WS-02 develops questions and hypotheses for scientific investigation
• SC5-WS-03 designs safe, ethical, valid and reliable investigations
• SC5-WS-04 follows a planned procedure to undertake safe, ethical, valid and reliable investigations
• SC5-WS-05 selects and uses a range of tools to process and represent data
• SC5-WS-06 analyses data from investigations to identify trends, patterns and relationships, and draws conclusions

Content

Working Scientifically

• Observing
• Questioning and predicting
• Planning investigations
• Conducting investigations
• Processing data and information
• Analysing data and information

Environmental sustainability

• Investigate the effects of climate change on the water cycle and ecosystems

Alternative resource use and recycling

• Research how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have developed sustainable harvesting practices and Cultural protocols based on deep ecological understandings

Cost and details

Bus access map	Map for access to venue will be sent with the confirmation. Please ensure you print a copy and provide to the bus driver on the morning of the excursion.
Cost	2026 DoE $20 per student - GST free 2026 Non-gov school cost $25 per student - GST free, minimum charge $750 per class NOTE:  National Parks entry is $1.10 per student in addition - GST free
Class numbers and size	Up to 4 classes Max. 30 students per class Please contact the centre if you have more than 4 classes.
Risk assessments	A complete risk assessment will be sent upon confirmation.
What to bring	Backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunblock, raincoat, hat, sturdy shoes, mask. Students wear sports uniform.
Adverse weather	On days where the weather is unsuitable (see risk assessment), a Gibberagong staff member will contact the organising teacher to discuss alternative arrangements. Please check your bus company’s cancellation policy.
Medical notifications	Notify Gibberagong EEC by completing and returning the medical form before the excursion. This form will be sent out upon confirmation of booking.