Learning activities

Pre-excursion work

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

• researching Southern Brown Bandicoot biology
• investigating its ecological niche
• identifying habitat requirements
• identifying potential selection pressures
• formulating a prediction about the two field sites
• planning their field investigation.

Habitat comparison

Students will use scientific equipment to collect quantitative and qualitative data at two sites.

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

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

Data analysis

Using the fieldwork data and knowledge of the ecological niche of the southern brown bandicoot, students will:

• process their data
• compare the two sites
• identify patterns
• determine which site provides more suitable habitat
• justify their conclusion using evidence.

Aboriginal knowledges

Students will visit an Aboriginal engraving site and learn about the connection between people, species and Country

Human-induced selection pressures

Students will learn about the human-induced selection pressures acting on Southern Brown Bandicoots in this environment, how could these pressures affect a population over time and outline possible management strategies to limit the impact.

Post-visit work and depth study

Students are invited to use this fieldwork to develop a depth study. This may be framed around the inquiry question:

What evidence should scientists consider when deciding where to monitor and manage Southern Brown Bandicoot habitat?

The Bandicoot Resource Hub support website provides further information.

Suggested timetable

Time	Class A, B	Class C, D
10.00am	Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome Overview of the day
10.10am	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 11–12 Syllabus (2025)

Evolution and ecosystems

Outcome

• BI-11-03 – analyses the relationships between organisms and their environment using the theory of evolution by natural selection

Working Scientifically outcomes

• BI-11WS-03 – conducts scientific investigations to collect data and information
• BI-11WS-04 – selects and processes qualitative and quantitative data and information
• BI-11WS-05 – analyses and evaluates primary and secondary data and information
• BI-11WS-07 – communicates scientific arguments using evidence, scientific language and terminology for a specific audience

Content

Natural selection

Students:

• Use examples to demonstrate how abiotic and biotic factors exert selective pressures on populations

Evolution and adaptations

Students:

• Use plant and animal examples to explain how structural, physiological and behavioural adaptations shaped by evolution enable survival in their environment.
• Explain how Aboriginal Peoples use the adaptations of local plants and animals for specific purposes.

Ecosystem dynamics

Students:

• Conduct a practical investigation to collect and analyse abiotic and biotic data, to discuss the features of an ecosystem.
• Explain how abiotic and biotic factors influence the abundance, distribution and diversity of species in an ecosystem.
• Compare sampling techniques to estimate distribution and abundance of organisms.
• Conduct a practical investigation to examine the distribution and abundance of a plant or animal using belt transect, line transect or quadrat sampling techniques.
• Use examples to determine relationships between organisms, including predation, competition, mutualism, commensalism, allelopathy and parasitism.
• Evaluate the validity, reliability and accuracy of ecological sampling data when drawing conclusions about ecosystem dynamics.

Biology 11–12 Syllabus (2025) © NSW Education Standards Authority for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2025.

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.
Teacher resource	Teacher programming guide
Bandicoot virtual fieldwork	Bandicoot virtual fieldwork An online resource to support students who are unable to attend the fieldwork.

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.