Inquiry questions
Inquiry Questions
How do introduced species affect the Australian environment and ecosystems?
Fieldwork Inquiry Question
How do scientists determine where fox mitigation should take place to protect endangered species?
Learning Activities
Pre-excursion work
Students are expected to complete pre-visit work to ensure they are able to complete the fieldwork. This includes an in-depth research of foxes and the Southern Brown Bandicoot (SBB). Once completed, students will use this information to plan an investigation.
Abiotic Investigation
Students will use scientific equipment to investigate and compare the abiotic features of two sites to determine the suitability for a Southern Brown Bandicoot population and therefore a targeted camera setup site to monitor both bandicoots and foxes.
Abiotic features to be measured include soil texture, soil pH, soil temperature, aspect, slope, light intensity, air temperature and humidity.
Biotic Investigation
Students will use scientific equipment to investigate and compare the abiotic features of two sites.
Biotic features to be measured include an invertebrate survey, scat and tracks identification, ground cover and vegetation survey
Aboriginal histories and cultures
Students will learn about the local Aboriginal people and some of the traditional management strategies.
Students will also lean about the importance of the Koorawull (Bandicoot) to Guringai people and visit a traditional Aboriginal site.
Human impacts
Students will learn about the impacts of foxes, with a particular reference to on SBB populations in the park and discuss possible management strategies to limit the impact.
Excursion Locations
This program is offered at the following locations. Click on an image to find out more.
*Note: Excursions at Muogamarra operate in Terms 2 and 3 only.
Sample Timetable
NOTE: Variations to timetable based on specific location, number of students and weather.
| Time |
Class A |
Class B |
Class C |
| 10.00am |
Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome
Review of pre-visit material
|
| 10.30am |
Morning Tea |
| 10.50am |
Site 1: Abiotic and biotic data collection |
Aboriginal cultural site visit |
Aboriginal cultural site visit |
| 11.40am |
Aboriginal cultural site visit |
Site 2: Abiotic and biotic data collection |
Site 1: Abiotic and biotic data collection |
| 12.20pm |
Site 2: Abiotic and biotic data collection |
Site 1: Abiotic and biotic data collection |
Site 2: Abiotic and biotic data collection |
| 1.00pm |
Data analysis |
Organism interactions
Human impacts
|
Data analysis |
| 1.15pm |
Organism interactions
Human impacts
|
Data analysis |
Organism interactions
Human impacts
|
| 1.30pm |
Lunch and toilets |
| 2.00m |
Finish and depart |
Teacher Information
Download the program flyer
| Excursion locations |
Bobbin Head
Kalkari to Bobbin Head
West 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 3 classes
Max. 30 students per class
|
| Risk Assessments |
Bobbin Head
Kalkari to Bobbin Head
West 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
Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus
Outcomes
A student:
> develops and evaluates questions and hypotheses for scientific investigation EES11/12-1
> designs and evaluates investigations in order to obtain primary and secondary data and information EES11/12-2
> conducts investigations to collect valid and reliable primary and secondary data and information EES11/12-3
> describes human impact on the Earth in relation to hydrological processes, geological processes and biological changes EES11-11
Content
Module 4: Human Impacts
Effects of Introduced Species
Students:
- outline the biotic and abiotic effects of introduced species
- conduct an investigation into a local introduced species, including, including:
- biotic and abiotic effects of the species
- area effected by the species
- human impacts that favour the introduced species
- control or mitigation methods
- differing views about the value of and/or harm caused by the introduced species, including the views of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
- analyses ways in which human activity can upset the balance of ecosystems and favour introduced species (ACSEL027)
- describe ways in which introduced species contribute to the decline or extinction of native Australian species (ACSEL081)
Earth and Environnmental Science 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
