Stage 6 Biology - Module 3 and 4 | Ecosystem Dynamics - forest ecosystems excursion
Georges River EEC
Program overview
Ecosystem Dynamics - forest ecosystems excursion is a Stage 6 Biology program focusing on population dynamics. Bring ecological science to life in this focused Stage 6 fieldwork program, where students investigate how abiotic factors shape the distribution, behaviour, and interactions of living organisms within a forest ecosystem. This program will focus on sandstone geology vegetation, hollow bearing trees, koalas and sulphur-crested cockatoos; their niche and interactions within the ecosystem.
Students will engage in a series of investigations designed to generate valid, reliable data to answer key inquiry questions about ecosystem structure and the influence of environmental variables. Throughout the day, students will identify potential risks, plan safe procedures, and apply authentic scientific fieldwork techniques to build confidence, competency, and curiosity as developing ecologists.
Fieldwork activities include:
- measuring abiotic factors such as light intensity, temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, soil moisture, soil depth, soil colour, and soil texture
- conducting a belt transect survey of Sydney red gum (Angophora) and Grey gum (Eucalyptus) populations, recording saplings, juveniles, mature non-hollow-bearing, and mature hollow-bearing trees
- observing bushland fauna, with a focus on koalas and sulphur-crested cockatoos and their ecological niches
- predicting potential niche overlap with other species and considering the consequences for koala and cockatoo populations and those of competing species.
Across this immersive experience, students will analyse relationships between abiotic and biotic components, use key standardised sampling techniques, observe species interactions, and develop a deeper understanding of how environmental factors influence ecosystem dynamics.
Recommended for up to four classes per day.
Location
Essential information
Suggested timetable
| Time | Classes 1 and 2 | Classes 3 and 4 |
| 9.30am | Arrival - introduction, and toilets | |
| 10.00am - 11.30am | Abiotic survey | Vegetation survey |
| 11.30am - 12.00pm | Lunch | |
| 12.00pm - 1.30pm | Vegetation survey | Abiotic survey |
| 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 4 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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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.