The mangroves at Bobbin Head provide an interesting case study for students to investigate the relationships between the abiotic and biotic factors in an intertidal ecosystem.
During the day, they will investigate adaptations, abundance and distribution, how species interact and human impacts and management.
This program requires a low tide day to enable the students to study the crabs. Please ask our staff when you are making a booking.
How do adaptations increase the organism’s ability to survive?
What effect can one species have on the other species in a community?
How can human activity impact on an ecosystems?
Students are expected to complete pre-visit work to ensure they are able to complete the fieldwork.
Students will assess Bobbin Head visually and using maps to determine what human activities may impact the mangroves at Bobbin Head.
Using images, they will describe how this area has changed over time and how these changes may have impacted mangroves.
Students will use scientific equipment to measure the abiotic features of the mangroves to consider the potential impacts of forecast climatic changes on the mangrove ecosystem.
Students will observe and record the physiological, behavioural and structural features of a species of crab that lives in the mangroves to identify and explain different adaptations.
They will also observe, identify and record the differences and adaptations of the two species of mangroves located at Bobbin Head.
Following the Working Scientifically process, students will observe, hypothesise, plan and conduct an investigation for determining the abundance and distribution of crabs across the internal zone.
Following the Working Scientifically process, students will collect, record and analyse data to determine how salinity affects the distribution of vegetation in the intertidal zone.
Students will use observations from their excursion to identify the various species that live in the mangrove ecosystem and using food webs and other sources, identify some of the key relationships (predation, competition and symbiosis) and predict consequences for populations of these biotic factors.
Students are invited to use this to develop a depth study on an aspect of mangroves. The Mangrove Resource Hub support website provides further information.
This program is offered at Bobbin Head. Click on the image to find out more about this site.
NOTE: Variations to timetable based on specific location, number of students and weather.
Time | Class A | Class B | Class C | Class D |
10.00am | Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome Human impacts and management |
|||
10.30am | Morning Tea | |||
10.50am | Abiotic features | Adaptations | Crab distribution | Vegetation distribution |
11.30am | Adaptations | Abiotic features | Vegetation distribution | Crab distribution |
12.10pm | Crab distribution | Vegetation distribution | Abiotic features | Adaptations |
12.50pm | Vegetation distribution | Crab distribution | Adaptations | Abiotic features |
1.30pm | Lunch | |||
2.00pm | Finish 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 | 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 | |
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. |
The Mangrove Resource Hub supports the fieldwork program and includes pre-visit activities, teacher programming outline and resources. This resources will support schools/students wanting to complete this as a depth study. Please contact the Centre for more information.
The Mangrove Virtual Fieldwork site is an online resource to support students who are unable to attend the fieldwork. Please contact the Centre for more information.
A student:
> develops and evaluates questions and hypotheses for scientific investigation BIO11/12-1
> designs and evaluates investigations in order to obtain primary and secondary data and information BIO11/12-2
> conducts investigations to collect valid and reliable primary and secondary data and information BIO11/12-3
> selects and processes appropriate qualitative and quantitative data and information using a range of appropriate media BIO11/12-4
> analyses and evaluates primary and secondary data and information BIO11/12-5
> describes biological diversity by explaining the relationships between a range of organisms in terms of specialisation for selected habitats and evolution of species BIO1110
> analyses ecosystem dynamics and the interrelationships of organisms within the ecosystem BIO11-11
Module 3: Biological Diversity
Adaptations
Students:
- structural adaptations
- physiological adaptations
- behavioural adaptations
Module 4: Ecosystem Dynamics
Population Dynamics
Students:
- the impact of abiotic factors
- the impact of biotic factors, including predation, competition and symbiotic relationships
- the ecological niches occupied by species
- predicting consequences for populations in ecosystems due to predation, competition, symbiosis and disease
- measuring populations of organisms using sampling techniques
Past Ecosystems
Students:
- Aboriginal rock engravings, middens
Future Ecosystems
Students:
investigate changes in past ecosystems that may inform our approach to the management of future ecosystems, including:
- the role of human-induced selection pressures on the extinction of species
- the role of changing climate on ecosystems
Biology Stage 6 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2017
address Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Bobbin Head Road Picnic Area, North Turramurra NSW 2074
telephone 02 9457 8245
website gibberagon-e.schools.nsw.gov.au
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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