Living systems excursion

Program overview

The Living things excursion is a Stage 4 science program investigating living systems with a focus on ecosystems and living systems in context. Students spend the day exploring estuarine and terrestrial ecosystems through hands-on ecological inquiry at Oatley Park located on the Georges River. Students learn about ecosystem components, ecological interactions, abiotic and biotic factors, energy and matter cycling in ecosystems through observation and doing.

A key element of the day is considering the factors that have led to the Eastern Osprey, a crucial apex predator along the Georges River being officially listed as Vulnerable in New South Wales. Students will observe and consider conservation measures to reduce the possibility of further population decline and extinction.

Students use fieldwork techniques of observation, collection and sampling and record data in varied ways. Students will use:

measuring equipment
identification charts
citizen science methodologies.

Students will spend time enjoying the river, beach and bush as we enjoy a picnic lunch in a scenic location.

Learning intentions

We are learning about estuarine and terrestrial ecosystems
We are learning about species interactions
We are learning about the factors that lead to a species becoming endangered or extinct.

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Program information

Student activities

Student activities are differentiated, inclusive and may vary depending on the conditions.

Observing estuarine species

Using multi-sensory observation, students explore the mud flats, beaches and mangroves to identify species in the Georges River estuary ecosystem.

Energy in food chains and webs

Students use their observations of local species to create food chains and food webs.

Measuring abiotic and biotic factors

Students measure abiotic factors in an ecosystem and investigate the interactions of abiotic and biotic factors.

Eastern Osprey Case study

Students observe an Eastern Osprey nest built for their conservation and discuss factors that affect the species.

Factors impacting estuarine species and populations

Students conduct a microplastic survey and investigate the role of plastics in endangering Eastern Ospreys.

All activities are lead by experienced teachers, are age-appropriate and designed to support participation and enjoyment for Stage 4 students.

Suggested timetable

Time	Activities
9.30am	Arrival - introduction and toilets
10.00am - 11.00am	Estuary ecosystem investigations
11.00am - 11.20am	Recess
11.20am - 12.50pm	Bushwalking and terrestrial ecosystem investigations
12.50pm - 1.20pm	Lunch
1.20pm - 1.50pm	Microplastic survey
1.50pm - 2.00pm	Conclude and depart

Syllabus outcomes and content

Science 7-10 Syllabus (2023)

Outcomes

A student:

SC4-LIV-01 describes the role, structure and function of a range of living systems and their components
SC4-WS-02 identifies questions and makes predictions to guide scientific investigations
SC4-WS-05 uses a variety of ways to process and represent data
SC4-WS-08 communicates scientific concepts and ideas using a range of communication forms

Content

Living systems

Ecosystems

Identify the components that make up an ecosystem
Investigate the interactions of biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem
Identify how matter and energy are cycled through an ecosystem
Create a food web and ecological energy pyramid based on local area observations to describe how matter and energy move through an ecosystem
Examine secondary-source data on the factors that change populations, including the introduction of a new species to an ecosystem, to identify trends, patterns and relationships, and draw conclusions

Living systems in context

Investigate factors that lead to a species becoming endangered or extinct to explain why Australia has some of the world’s highest rates of species population decline and extinction

Science and Technology 7-10 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2023

Teacher information


Cost 2026	NSW Department of Education schools $22 per student Non-government schools $28 per student The total cost of the program will be based on the number of students confirmed at least 3 working days before your program. If the number of students is not confirmed by this time, the total cost will be calculated using the number of students listed on the original booking form or the actual number of students who attend, whichever is greater. An Interschool Journal request or sales order will then be prepared and sent to your school for payment.
Student numbers	Recommended maximum 2 classes with up to 30 students per class.
Risk management plan	Risk assessment provided in location tile.
Bring	School first aid kits, student medication and ASCIA action plans Low waste food and water bottle Sun protection - hats and sunblock Insect repellent Clipboards and pencils
Clothing	Sports uniform Sports shoes Raincoat in case of wet weather. Please no umbrellas.
Staff and student welfare	The program requires walking through parklands. The site is fully accessible but may not be suitable for recently unwell participants. For medical or special needs notify staff prior to program.
Extreme or wet weather	In general, our staff are prepared to complete learning programs in varied weather conditions except where health and safety could be compromised. School staff should assess the appropriateness of the visit with poor conditions and discuss with our centre staff as soon as possible. In the event of cancellation, we will do our best to find an alternative date. Please view our trigger points for postponement and cancellation.
Trigger points for cancellation	See our bookings page
Cancellation policy	Cancellation or major changes to bookings will incur the following cancellation fees: within 30 days of excursion or incursion date - $600 administration fee charged within 7 days of excursion/incursion date - total fee charged based on confirmed student numbers. Weather or fire danger cancellation – $0