Learning activities

Pre-excursion work

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

Water quality investigation

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 before comparing obervations to measurments and evaluating their prediction.

Ecosystem comparison investigation

Students will use scientific equipment to measure the biotic and abiotic features of two adjacent ecosystems - the estuarine swamp oak forest and mangrove ecosystem. This provides an excellent introduction to relationships between organisms and their environment,

Mangrove observation and adaptations

Students will observe, record and interpret the features of the two species of mangroves located at Bobbin Head. This provides an opportunity to investigate the environmental conditions and the different adaptations organisms have to these selection pressures.

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.

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
10.10am	Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome Overview of the day
10.10am	Morning Tea
10.30am	Water quality	Observations and adaptations
11.15am	Observations and adaptations	Water quality
12.00pm	Ecosystem comparison	Vegetation distribution
12.45pm	Vegetation distribution	Ecosystem comparison
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

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 $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.