Stage 6 Investigating Science – Module 1 and 2 | Cause and effect in freshwater ecosystems excursion
Georges River EEC
Program overview
The Cause and effect in freshwater ecosystems excursion is a Stage 6 Investigating Science program for Module 1 and 2. Bring scientific inquiry to life in this Stage 6 Investigating Science fieldwork program, where students explore two contrasting aquatic environments at Simmos Beach Reserve on the Georges River. These sites provide an ideal context for examining natural and human influences on water quality, biodiversity, and freshwater ecological health.
Across the day, students apply the Working Scientifically skills central to Module 2 as they observe environmental features, identify patterns, and make inferences that lead to testable hypotheses. Students consider risks, follow ethical fieldwork practices, and design investigations that generate valid and reliable primary data.
Fieldwork activities include:
• conducting multi-sensory observations to identify natural and anthropogenic features influencing each site
• assessing risks and planning safe, ethical fieldwork practices
• measuring key water quality parameters to explore cause-and-effect relationships in freshwater ecosystems
• investigating biodiversity through standardised macroinvertebrate sampling methodologies
• using data to evaluate impacts on aquatic health and ecosystem function
• drawing evidence-based conclusions about environmental condition, pollution sources, and ecological implications.
Through this immersive investigation, students gain practical insights into freshwater ecosystems while strengthening their ability to question, predict, plan, conduct, and evaluate scientific investigations in authentic field contexts.
Maximum two classes per day.
Location
Essential information
Suggested timetable
| Time | Class 1 | Class 2 |
| 9.30am | Arrival - introduction, recess and toilets | |
| 10.00am - 11.30am | River ecosystem investigations | Wetland ecosystem investigations |
| 11.30am - 12.00pm | Lunch and toilets | |
| 12.00pm - 1.30pm | Wetland ecosystem investigations | River ecosystem investigations |
| 1.30pm - 2.00pm | Snack, conclude and depart |
Syllabus outcomes and content
Investigating Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)
Outcomes
A student:
- develops and evaluates questions and hypotheses for scientific investigation INS11/12-1
- designs and evaluates investigations in order to obtain primary and secondary data and information INS11/12-2
- selects and processes appropriate qualitative and quantitative data and information using a range of appropriate media INS11/12-4
- examines the use of inferences and generalisations in scientific investigations INS11-9
Content
Observations and Inferences
Inquiry question: What inferences can be drawn from observations?
Students:
-
conduct a collaborative practical investigation and collect a range of qualitative and quantitative primary data from one of the following:
water quality of a pond or local stream
- make inferences and conclusions derived from the primary data collected in this collaborative practical investigation
Investigating 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.
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 Printed worksheets |
Clothing |
Sports uniform Sports shoes Raincoat in case of wet weather. Please no umbrellas. |
Staff and student welfare |
The program requires walking through bushland. The site is accessible with adjustments. It 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:
|
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About our centre
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