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 foxes and the southern brown bandicoot. Once completed, students will use this information to plan an investigation.

Abiotic and biotic fieldwork

Students will use scientific equipment to investigate and compare the abiotic and biotic features of two sites to determine the suitability for a southern brown bandicoot population and therefore a targeted fox mitigation program.

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.

Aboriginal histories and cultures

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

Data analysis

Using the fieldwork data and knowledge of the ecological niche of the southern brown bandicoot, students will determine which site is more suitable for fox mitigation.

Human impacts

Students will learn about the impacts of foxes, with a particular reference to the 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 Review of pre-visit material
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	Data analysis
1.30pm	Lunch
2.00pm	Conclusion and depart

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

Syllabus outcomes

Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)

Outcomes

• EES11/12-1 develops and evaluates questions and hypotheses for scientific investigation
• EES11/12-2 designs and evaluates investigations in order to obtain primary and secondary data and information
• EES11/12-3 conducts investigations to collect valid and reliable primary and secondary data and information
• EES11-11 describes human impact on the Earth in relation to hydrological processes, geological processes and biological changes

Content

Module 4: Human Impacts

Effects of Introduced Species

Students:

• outline the biotic and abiotic effects of introduced species

• conduct an investigation into a local introduced species, including, including:

  • biotic and abiotic effects of the species
  • area effected by the species
  • human impacts that favour the introduced species
  • control or mitigation methods
  • differing views about the value of and/or harm caused by the introduced species, including the views of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

• analyses ways in which human activity can upset the balance of ecosystems and favour introduced species (ACSEL027)

• describe ways in which introduced species contribute to the decline or extinction of native Australian species (ACSEL081)

Supporting resources and virtual fieldwork

Fox resource hub	Fox resource hub The Fox 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
Virtual fieldwork	Fox 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.