Stage 6 Biology - Module 3 and 4 | Ecosystem Dynamics - aquatic ecosystems excursion
Georges River EEC
Program overview
Ecosystem Dynamics - aquatic ecosystems excursion is a Stage 6 Biology program investigating freshwater aquatic ecosystems. Students will use the skills in working scientifically to investigate the relationships between living organisms and their physical environment within freshwater aquatic ecosystems.
Students will participate in two different investigations to collect valid and reliable data to answer the following inquiry questions:
- What impact does introduced carp have on water quality in a freshwater wetland?
- What impact will gambusia, a predatory introduced species, have on macroinvertebrate populations in freshwater ecosystems?
Throughout the day, students learn to assess risks, plan safely, and apply authentic scientific practices to building confidence, competency, and curiosity as developing biologists.
Fieldwork activities include:
- macroinvertebrate sampling
- testing physical and chemical water quality parameters including turbidity, nitrates and nitrites, phosphates, dissolved oxygen and temperature
- calibration of equipment and assessment of standardised sampling methodologies.
Maximum four classes per day.
Location
Essential information
Suggested timetable
Time |
Class 1 |
Class 2 |
| 9.30am | Arrival - introduction, and toilets | |
| 10.00am - 11.30pm | Investigating water quality | Macroinvertebrate survey |
| 11.30pm - 12.00pm | Lunch | |
| 12.00pm - 1.30pm | Macroinvertebrate survey | Investigating water quality |
| 1.30pm - 2.00pm | Conclude and depart |
Syllabus outcomes and content
Biology Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)
Course Outcomes
- BIO11-1 develops and evaluates questions and hypotheses for scientific investigation
- BIO11-2 designs and evaluates investigations in order to obtain primary and secondary data and information
- BIO11-3 conducts investigations to collect valid and reliable primary and secondary data and information
- BIO11-11 analyses ecosystem dynamics and the interrelationships of organisms within the ecosystem
Content
Population Dynamics
Inquiry question: What effect can one species have on the other species in a community?
Students:
-
investigate and determine relationships between biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem, including: (ACSBL019)
- the impact of abiotic factors
- the impact of biotic factors, including predation, competition and symbiotic relationships
- the ecological niches occupied by species
- predicting consequences for populations in ecosystems due to predation, competition, symbiosis and disease
- measuring populations of organisms using sampling techniques
Biology 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:
|
Contact us
Get in touch to ask a question, plan a visit or find out more about what we offer.
About our centre
Learn how our centre helps students explore, learn and connect with nature.