Learning activities

Pre-excursion work

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

Mangrove functioning

Students will learn about the mangrove forests, focusing on their importance and functioning.

Students will observe the two species of mangroves located in Bobbin Head to determine the differences and similarities. Through this process, they will learn about observation and inference.

Crab observations

Students will observe and record the appearance and behaviour of the mangrove crabs and draw inferences about what they have observed. They will also use keys to determine the species that live on the mudflats.

Crab distribution

Following the Working Scientifically process, they will observe and hypothesise to then plan and conduct an investigation for determining the abundance and distribution of crabs across the internal zone.

Water quality

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.

Aboriginal understanding of Country

Students will visit an Aboriginal cultural site to learn about how Aboriginal Peoples use observations to develop an understanding of Country.

Students will also learn about some of the plants that are used for medicinal purposes.

Suggested timetable

Time	Class A, B	Class C, D
10.00am	Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome
10.10am	Morning Tea
10.30am	Water quality Mangrove functioning	Aboriginal understanding of Country
11.30am	Crab observation Crab distribution	Vegetation distribution
12.30pm	Aboriginal understanding of Country	Water quality Mangrove functioning
12.50pm	Vegetation distribution	Crab observation Crab distribution
1.30pm	Lunch
2.00pm	Conclusion and depart

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

Syllabus outcomes

Investigating Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)

Outcomes

• INS11/12-1 develops and evaluates questions and hypotheses for scientific investigation
• INS11/12-2 designs and evaluates investigations in order to obtain primary and secondary data and information
• INS11/12-3 conducts investigations to collect valid and reliable primary and secondary data and information
• INS11/12-4 selects and processes appropriate qualitative and quantitative data and information using a range of appropriate media
• INS11-9 examines the use of inferences and generalisations in scientific investigations

Content

Module 1: Cause and Effect – Observing

Role of Observations

Students:

• carry out a practical investigation to record both quantitative and qualitative data from observations, for example:

  • crab hole numbers across the intertidal zone
  • water quality

• discuss and evaluate the characteristics of observations made compared to inferences drawn in respect of the practical investigation

• assess ways in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples use observation to develop an understanding of Country and Place in order to create innovative ways of managing the natural environment, including but not limited to:

  • knowledge about plants for medicinal purposes

Observations as Evidence

Students:

• use data gathered to plan a practical investigation to:

  • pose further questions that will be investigated
  • discuss the role of variables
  • determine the independent and dependent variables
  • formulate a hypothesis that links the independent and dependent variables
  • describe at least three variables that should be controlled in order to increase the validity of the investigation

• develop a method to collect primary data for a practical investigation by:

  • describing how to change the independent variable
  • determining the characteristics of the measurements that will form the dependent variable
  • describing how the data will be collected
  • describing how the controlled variables will be made consistent
  • describing how risks can be minimised

Observing, Collecting and Recording Data

Students:

• carry out the planned practical investigation, above, to collect primary data

• apply conventions for collecting and recording observations to qualitatively and quantitatively analyse the primary data, including but not limited to:

  • tabulation
  • graphing

• compare the usefulness of observations recorded in the initial practical activity with the primary data gathered in this planned practical investigation

Conclusions Promote Further Observations

Students:

• draw conclusions from the analysis of the primary data collected in the practical investigation
• evaluate the process of drawing conclusions from the primary data collected

Module 2: Cause and Effect – Inferences and Generalisations

Observations and Inferences

Students:

• investigate the practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples that relate to observations and inferences, including but not limited to:

  • leaching of toxins in bush tucker

Supporting resources

Intertidal wetlands resource hub	Intertidal wetlands resource hub The Investigating Science - Intertidal wetlands 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.

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.