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?
Learning Activities
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.
Excursion Locations
This program is offered at the following location. Click on an image to find out more.
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 |
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 |
Teacher Information
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 |
2024 DoE $20 per student - GST free
2024 Non-gov school cost $25 per student - GST free, minimum charge $600 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 |
Bobbin Head |
| What to bring |
Backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunblock, raincoat, hat, sturdy shoes.
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. |
Syllabus outcomes and content
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
