Earth and Environmental Science
About this excursion
Humans use the Earth’s resources to maintain life and provide infrastructure. However, natural resources are not infinite. Renewable resources such as water, soil, plants and animals can be managed sustainably using scientific knowledge. Incomplete information or failure to consider the impact of resources use may cause environmental damage.
Scientific knowledge enables efficient use of resources and also the rehabilitation of damaged ecosystems. Healthy ecosystems provide renewable resources, purify air and water, regulate climate and provide cultural services.
Excursion activities
Session 1: Topic overview and Quadrats
Students learn about sampling methods and perform two quadrats in different areas of Wooglemai. During these scientific studies students will learn to use a range of scientific equipment to measure, observe, identify and report on biotic and abiotic factors that determine the distribution, abundance and biodiversity of organisms within the environment. Students compare and contrast the 2 quadrat sites.
Lunch
Students have recess before activities and a lunch break between session 1 and session 2.
Session 2: Human impacts on site and in the local area
Students look at the human impacts both onsite and within the local area. Students look at impacts of human impacts and strategies to minimise these impacts.
Important information
Cost
$8 per student
Learning intentions
Students:
- outline the biotic and abiotic effects of introduced species
- conduct an investigation into a local introduced species, including:
- reason for introducing the species
- biotic and abiotic effects of the species
- area affected by the species
- human impacts that favour the introduced species
- control or mitigation methods
- economic impact of the species
- different views about the value of and/or harm caused by the introduced species, including the views of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
- analyse ways in which human activity can upset the balance of ecosystems and favour introduced species (ACSES027)
- describe ways in which introduced species contribute to the decline or extinction of native Australian species (ACSES081)
Key syllabus outcomes and content
- EES11/12-1 develops and evaluates questions and hypotheses for scientific investigation
- EES11/12-2 designs and evaluates investigations in order to obtain primary and secondary data and information
- EES11/12-3 conducts investigations to collect valid and reliable primary and secondary data and information
- EES11-11 describes human impact on the Earth in relation to hydrological processes, geological processes and biological changes
Inquiry Questions
Inquiry question: How do introduced species affect the Australian environment and ecosystems?
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About our centre
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