Inquiry questions
How does an understanding of the biophysical processes contribute to sustainable management of the mangrove environment?
What are the biophysical interactions which occur between components in the mangrove environment?
What are the human impacts on the functioning of the biophysical environment in the mangroves?
How can these human impacts be managed to ensure the sustainability of the mangrove environment?
What activities at a local, national and global scale are threats to the intertidal zone at Bobbin Head?
Learning Activities
Pre-excusion work
Students use the pre-excursion google site to familiarise themselves with the fieldwork area, learn about the features and importance of mangroves and complete topographic mapping questions related to the study site.
Excursion day
Fieldwork
Students will use fieldwork equipment to collect primary data to investigate the interactions of the biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and atmosphere in the mangrove forest. This includes taking measurements of the water, soil and air; collecting data on crab hole changes across the intertidal zone and a vegetation transect.
Students will observe and examine human impacts and management strategies at Bobbin Head as well as changing perspectives and uses of the mangrove forest over time.
Communication of findings
Students will prepare an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for a proposed restaurant/wedding function centre to be built in the Bobbin Head mangrove forest. The EIA will include:
- Use of a values continuum and list of stakeholders to understand differing perspectives on management of the area
- A precis map of the development
- Use of the primary data collected from the four spheres to analyse the impacts on the biophysical interactions in the mangrove forest from the proposed development
- A final recommendation
Excursion Locations
This program is offered at Bobbin Head. Click on the image to find out more about this site.
Sample Timetable
NOTE: Variations to timetable based on specific location, number of students and weather.
| Time |
Class A |
Class B |
| 10.00am |
Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome, Review of pre-visit material
|
| 10.20am |
Morning Tea |
| 10.30am |
Data Collection: hydrosphere, lithosphere and atmosphere
Land use and management practices
|
Quadrat Study
Transect Study
|
| 11.30am |
Quadrat Study
Transect Study
|
Data Collection: hydrosphere, lithosphere and atmosphere
Land use and management practices
|
| 12.30pm |
Flowchart |
| 12.45pm |
EIA of proposed development |
| 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, 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. |
Syllabus outcomes and content
Geography Stage 6 Syllabus
Outcomes
The student:
P1 differentiates between spatial and ecological dimensions in the study of geography
P2 describes the interactions between the four components which define the biophysical environment
P3 explains how a specific environment functions in terms of biophysical factors
P6 identifies the vocational relevance of a geographical perspective
P7 formulates a plan for active geographical inquiry
P9 uses maps, graphs and statistics, photographs and fieldwork to conduct geographical inquiries
P10 applies mathematical ideas and techniques to analyse geographical data
P12 communicates geographical information, ideas and issues using appropriate written and/or oral, cartographic and graphic forms.
Geography Stage 6 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2009
