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
Mangrove study and aquatic threats
Bobbin Head is home to two species of mangrove. Students will be required to classify these species by observing each to identify and describe similarities and differences. They will also be required to explain how their features are adaptations for survival and reproduction in their environment.
Using the information they have learnt about Mangrove function, students will be required to identify and discuss threats to this ecosystem.
Dry Sclerophyll Features
Using fieldwork equipment, the students will research the biophysical features of the dry forest. These tests include aspect, soil pH, air temperature and soil temperature. Using plant ID books, the students will then identify a sample of dry sclerophyll plants and relate their features as adaptations for survival.
Rainforest
In the final activity, students will research the abiotic and biotic features of the remnant rainforest and use these findings to compare to the dry sclerophyll study site.
Aboriginal connections
Students will visit an Aboriginal cultural site and develop an understanding of Aboriginal use of native plants and the sustainable practices used in managing ecosystems.
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 |
Mangrove study and aquatic threats |
Dry Sclerophyll Features |
Aboriginal connections
|
Rainforest |
| 11.15am |
Dry Sclerophyll Features
|
Mangrove study and aquatic threats |
Rainforest |
Aboriginal connections |
| 12.00pm |
Aboriginal connections |
Rainforest |
Dry Sclerophyll Features |
Mangrove study and aquatic threats |
| 12.45pm |
Rainforest |
Aboriginal connections |
Mangrove study and aquatic threats |
Dry Sclerophyll Features |
| 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 |
2023 DoE $15 per student - GST free
2023 Non-gov school cost $25 per student - GST free, minimum charge $575 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
COVID
|
| 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
