Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre

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S4 Ecosystems excursion

Ecosystems label

Ecosystems excursion

NEW Science syllabus: Ecosystems

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This Stage 4 Science excursion offers students an immersive experience that aligns with the new (2023) Science syllabus, focusing on ecosystems and their complex interconnections. 

During the excursion program, students will enhance their scientific inquiry skills and deepen their understanding of ecosystems, through four hands-on and engaging investigations including water testing, abiotic testing and biotic observations to create food webs.

Special Notes

The optional crab transect activity requires a low tide and warm weather. Please check the booking calendar for a low tide availability day.

Crab in mangroves
Students comparing info

Inquiry questions

  • How do scientists measure the health of an ecosystem?

  • What are the biotic and abiotic features of an ecosystem and how do they interact?

  • How do the biotic features of an ecosystem interact and move energy?

  • How do the abiotic and biotic features compare between ecosystems?

Excursion locations

This program is offered at one locations. Click on an image to find out more about the venues.

Learning Activities

Water quality analysis

Students will utilise scientific equipment to collect, record and analyse water samples to enhance their understanding of the abiotic features of the mangrove ecosystem and the methods scientists use to monitor the health of an ecosystem.

Biotic survey and food webs

Students will observe and document the biotic features of the mangrove ecosystem. This data will be used to create a food web that illustrates how energy flows through the ecosystem and the methods scientists employ to collect and analyse data when assessing ecosystem health.

Ecosystem Investigation

Students will collect, record, analyse and compare the abiotic and biotic features of two ecosystems to understand how these features interact. 

Option - Crab investigation (tide/season dependent)

Students will undertake a scientic investigation to determine if crab distribution (biotic) is affected by distance from the creek (abiotic). Using scientic equipment including quadrats, the students will collect, record data and analyse data to test a hypothesis.

Sample Timetable

NOTE: Variations to timetable based on specific location, group size and weather

Time Class A Class B Class C Class D
10.00am Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome, Overview of the day
10.10am Morning Tea
10.30am Water quality analysis Biotic survey and food webs Ecosystem investigation 1 

Ecosystem investigation 2

or

Crab investigation 
11.15am Biotic survey and food webs Water quality analysis

Ecosystem investigation 2

or

Crab investigation 

 Ecosystem investigation 1 
12.00pm Lunch
12.30pm Ecosystem investigation 1 

Ecosystem investigation 2

or

Crab investigation 

 Water quality analysis Biotic survey and food webs
1.15pm

Ecosystem investigation 2

or

Crab investigation 

 Ecosystem investigation 1 Biotic survey and food webs Water quality analysis
2.00pm Conclusion and depart

 

Excursion locations Bobbin Head
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

2025 DoE $20 per student - GST free

2025 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
Risk Assessments

View the sample risk assessment

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 arrangments.
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.

Science 7-10 Syllabus 

Outcomes (2023)

A student:

> describes the role, structure and function of a range of living systems and their components SC4-LIV-01

> uses scientific tools and instruments for observations SC4-WS-01 

> follows a planned procedure to undertake safe and valid investigations SC4-WS-04 

> communicates scientific concepts and ideas using a range of communication forms SC4-WS-08

Content

Ecosystems

  • Identify the components that make up an ecosystem
  • Investigate the interactions of biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem
  • Identify how matter and energy are cycled through an ecosystem
  • Create a food web and ecological energy pyramid based on local area observations to describe how matter and energy move through an ecosystem

Science 7-10 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2023

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