Stage 6 Earth and Environmental Science – Module 4 | Human impacts - introduced species excursion
Georges River EEC
Program overview
The Human impacts - introduced species excursion is a Stage 6 Earth and Environmental Science for Module 4. Students work scientifically to investigate how introduced species affect the Australian environment and ecosystems.
This fieldwork experience at Simmos Beach Reserve on the Georges River provides students a day to work scientifically investigating the impact of carp and gambusia, two introduced aquatic species on local water quality, biodiversity, and native wildlife including the platypus, recognised in Australia as a Near Threatened species.
Students will conduct water-quality testing and macroinvertebrate and habitat surveys to build a scientific understanding of how introduced species can alter ecosystems, threaten native species, and shift ecological balance. Students collate primary and secondary field data to consider human activities that have favoured these species, cultural perspectives including those of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and current management and mitigation strategies.
This authentic fieldwork experience develops students’ scientific inquiry skills while deepening their appreciation of the complex challenges facing Australia’s freshwater environments.
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 | Investigating the impact of Gambusia | Investigating the impact of carp |
| 11.30am - 12.00pm | Lunch and toilets | |
| 12.00pm - 1.30pm | Investigating the impact of carp | Investigating the impact of Gambusia |
| 1.30pm - 2.00pm | Snack, conclude and depart |
Syllabus outcomes and content
Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 (2017)
Outcomes:
A student:
- develops and evaluates questions for scientific investigation EES11/12-1
- designs and evaluates investigations in order to obtain primary and secondary data and information EES11/12-2
- conducts investigations to collect valid and reliable primary and secondary data and information EES11/12-3
- describes human impact on the Earth in relation to hydrological processes, geological processes and biological changes EES11-11
Content
Effects of Introduced Species
Inquiry question: How do introduced species affect the Australian environment and ecosystems?
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
- 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)
Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus © 2017 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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