Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre

Wonder, Engage, Inspire

Telephone02 9457 8245

Emailgibberagon-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Science - Ecosystem Investigation

S4 Ecosystem Investigation

Science: Living World

 

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Overview

Students will undertake a variety of scientific investigations to develop an understanding of ecosystems. Further investigations will assist them to understand the health of the estuary at Bobbin Head and the techniques scientists use when monitoring the environment and the human impacts on it.

Special Notes

This program requires a low tide day in the warmer months to enable students to study the crabs. Please ask our staff when you are making the booking.

 

Crab in mangroves

Inquiry questions

What plants and animals live in the ecosystems at Bobbin Head?

What features are adaptations for survival and reproduction in this environment?

How do humans impact on this ecosystem?

Excursion locations

This program is offered at the following location. Click on an image to find out more.

Aboriginal connections

Students will visit an Aboriginal cultural site to develop an understanding of Aboriginal use of native plants and the sustainable practices used in managing ecosystems.

Mangrove identification and adaptations

Students will conduct a practical investigation to identify, examine and record the adaptations of the two mangrove species located at Bobbin Head.

Crab biotic investigation (tide/season dependent)

Students will use scientific techniques to identify crab species and use observation to predict their adaptations. They will use scientific equipment and survey techniques to sample crab population size and conclude what part of the inter-tidal zone crabs prefer.

Water quality analysis

Students will use scientific equipment to test the quality of the wester at Bobbin Head and use the results and observations to determine human impacts on water and mangrove ecosystems.

Mangrove food chains and human impacts

Students will observe and record the trophic level of different species of plants and animals during the day. They will use this information to complete food chains and food webs and predict changes in populations due to possible human impacts.

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 Aboriginal connections Water quality

Crab populations and  adaptations

 Mangrove classification and adaptations
11.15am

Water quality

 Aboriginal connections Mangrove classification and adaptations Crab populations and  adaptations
12.00pm Crab populations and  adaptations Mangrove classification and adaptations Water quality Aboriginal connections
12.45pm Mangrove classification and adaptations Crab populations and  adaptations Aboriginal connections Water quality
1.30pm Lunch
2.00pm Conclusion and depart

Download the program flyer

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

A student:

> relates the structure and function of living things to their classification, survival and reproduction SC4-14LW

Content

LW1 There are differences within and between groups of organisms; classification helps organise this diversity (ACSSU111)

Students:

b. Classify a variety of living things based on similarities and differences in structural features

c. Use simple keys to identify a range of plants and animals

e. Outline the structural features used to group living things, including plants and animals

f. Explain how the features of some Australian plants and animals have adaptations for survival and reproduction in their environment.

LW5 Science and technology contribute to finding solutions to conserving and managing sustainable ecosystems.

Students:

a. Construct and interpret food chains and food webs, including examples from Australian ecosystems

b. Describe interactions between organisms in food chains and food webs, including producers, consumers and decomposers (ACSSU112)

d. Predict how human activities can affect interactions in food chains and food webs, including examples from Australian land or marine ecosystems (ACSSU112)

 

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, 2012

Program Resources

Virtual Fieldwork Image

Mangrove Virtual Fieldwork

This virtual fieldwork program supports Stage 4 Science, with activities that provide students with an opportunity to engage in the Living World strand and use scientific inquiry to process and analyse data in the mangrove ecosystem. 

Please contact the Centre for more information.

Related content

Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre

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We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work. We would like to pay our respects to the Elders, past, present and emerging and acknowledge our Aboriginal Elders and knowledge holders who have helped us to understand the special connection Aboriginal Peoples have with the land.

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