Learning activities

Pre-excursion work

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

Human impacts and management

Students will assess Bobbin Head visually and using maps to determine what human activities may impact the mangroves at Bobbin Head.

Abiotic factors

Students will use scientific equipment to measure the abiotic features of the estuarine swamp oak forest and compare this to the mangrove ecosystem.

Mangrove observation and adaptations

Students will observe, identify and record the differences and adaptations of the two species of mangroves located at Bobbin Head.

Water quality analysis

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.

Vegetation distribution

Following the Working Scientifically process, students will collect, record and analyse data to determine how salinity affects the distribution of vegetation in the intertidal zone.

Aboriginal histories and cultures

Students will visit an Aboriginal midden site to learn how they can provide evidence for past changes in ecosystems.

Post-excursion work - organism interactions

Students will use observations from their excursion to identify the various species that live in the mangrove ecosystem and using food webs and other sources, identify some of the key relationships (predation, competition and symbiosis) and predict consequences for populations of these biotic factors.

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	Water quality	Adaptations
11.30am	Adaptations	Water quality
12.10pm	Abiotic features comparison	Vegetation distribution
12.50pm	Vegetation distribution	Abiotic features comparison
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
• BIO11-10 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

Content

Module 3: Biological Diversity

Adaptations

Students conduct practical investigations individually or in teams, or use secondary sources to examine the adaptations of organisms that increase their ability to survive in their environment, including:

• structural adaptations
• physiological adaptations
• behavioural adaptations

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

Fieldwork Skills Resource Hub	This resource is currently being developed. 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 $25 per student - GST free, minimum charge $750 per class NOTE:  National Parks entry is $1.10 per student in addition
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.