Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre

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Human Impacts - Fox

S6 Human Impacts Fox

Earth and Environmetnal Science: Human Impacts

 

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Overview

To determine the suitability of a site to introduce fox mitigation, scientists must first learn about the animal and then find evidence of the presence of an endangered animal in an area.

During the fieldwork day, students will collect scientific data to determine which of two potential wildlife camera sites is the more suitable for a Southern Brown Bandicoot sampling.

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?

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.

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.

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 Data analysis Data analysis
1.30pm Lunch and toilets
2.00m Finish and depart

Download the program flyer

Excursion locations

Bobbin Head

Kalkari to Bobbin Head

Muogamarra Nature Reserve, Cowan (Terms 2 and 3 only)

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

2025 DoE $24 per student - GST free

2025 Non-gov school cost $30 per student - GST free, minimum charge $750 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

View the sample risk assessment

A complete risk assessment will be sent upon confirmation
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.

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

Program Resources

Ecosystem Dynamics Resource Hub

Fox Resource Hub

The Fox 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.

Bandicoot Virtual Fieldwork

Fox Virtual Fieldwork

The Fox Virtual Fieldwork site is an online resource to support students who are unable to attend the fieldwork. Please contact the Centre for more information.

Related content

Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre

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