Learning activities

Pre-excursion work

Students are expected to complete pre-visit work to ensure they are able to complete the fieldwork. This includes an in-depth research of the southern brown bandicoot features and niche. Once completed, students will use this information to plan an investigation.

Abiotic Investigation

Students will use scientific equipment to investigate and compare the abiotic features of two sites to determine the suitability for a southern brown bandicoot population and therefore a targeted camera setup site.

Abiotic features to be measured include soil texture, soil pH, soil temperature, aspect, slope, light intensity, air temperature and humidity.

Biotic Investigation

Students will use scientific equipment to investigate and compare the biotic features of two sites to determine the suitability for a southern brown bandicoot population and therefore a targeted camera setup site.

Biotic features to be measured include an invertebrate survey, scat and tracks identification, ground cover and vegetation survey

Aboriginal Histories and Cultures

Students will learn about the local Aboriginal people and some of the traditional management strategies.

Students will visit an Aboriginal engraving site and learn about the importance of the koorawull (bandicoot) to the local Aboriginal people.

Human Impacts

Students will learn about the human impacts on southern brown bandicoot populations in the park and discuss possible management strategies to limit the impact.

Suggested timetable

Time	Class A, B	Class C, D
10.00am	Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome Human impacts and management
10.30am	Morning Tea
10.50am	Site 1: Abiotic and biotic data collection	Aboriginal cultural site visit
11.40am	Aboriginal cultural site visit	Site 2: Abiotic and biotic data collection
12.20pm	Site 2: Abiotic and biotic data collection	Site 1: Abiotic and biotic data collection
1.00pm	Data analysis	Organism interactions Human impacts
1.15pm	Organism interactions Human impacts	Data analysis
1.30pm	Lunch
2.00pm	Conclusion and depart

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

Syllabus outcomes

Biology Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)

Outcomes

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

• BIO11/12-2 designs and evaluates investigations in order to obtain primary and secondary data and information
• BIO11/12-3 conducts investigations to collect valid and reliable primary and secondary data and information
• BIO11/12-4 selects and processes appropriate qualitative and quantitative data and information using a range of appropriate media
• BIO11/12-5 analyses and evaluates primary and secondary data and information
• BIO11-11 analyses ecosystem dynamics and the interrelationships of organisms within the ecosystem

Content

Module 4: Ecosystem Dynamics

Population dynamics

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

• the impact of abiotic factors
• the impact of biotic factors, including predation, competition and symbiotic relationships
• the ecological niches occupied by species
• predicting consequences for populations in ecosystems due to predation, competition, symbiosis and disease
• measuring populations of organisms using sampling techniques

Past ecosystems

Students analyse palaeontological and geological evidence that can be used to provide evidence for past changes in ecosystems, including but not limited to:

• Aboriginal rock engravings, middens

Future ecosystems

Students investigate changes in past ecosystems that may inform our approach to the management of future ecosystems, including:

• the role of human-induced selection pressures on the extinction of species
• the role of changing climate on ecosystems

Supporting resources and virtual fieldwork

Bandicoot resource hub	Bandicoot resource hub The Bandicoot Resource Hub supports the fieldwork program and includes pre-visit activities, teacher programming outline and resources. This resource will support schools/students wanting to complete this as a depth study. Please contact the Centre for more information.
Teacher resource	Teacher programming guide
Bandicoot virtual fieldwork	Bandicoot virtual fieldwork An online resource to support students who are unable to attend the fieldwork. Please contact the Centre for more information.

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 $24 per student - GST free 2026 Non-gov school cost $30 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.