Ecosystem Dynamics at Oatley Park
Biology
Bring coastal ecology to life in this Stage 6 fieldwork program, where students investigate the dynamic intertidal zone at Lime Kiln Bay and explore relationships between biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem, species interactions, adaptations and their responses to change.
Students collect valid and reliable data, assess risks, and apply authentic scientific methods to build confidence and competency as developing biologists.
Fieldwork activities include:
- measuring abiotic factors such as tidal height, substrate type, temperature, salinity, and wave exposure
- conduct quadrat and transect surveys to examine the distribution and abundance of intertidal organisms
- observing adaptations that enable species to survive fluctuating conditions
- investigating ecological relationships and human impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
This immersive experience strengthens student understanding of ecosystem dynamics and the factors that shape intertidal communities.
Maximum one class per day.
Location
Essential information
| Year | Cost |
| 2025/26 |
|
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
| Time | Class 1 |
| 9.30am | Arrival - introduction and toilets |
| 10.00am - 12.30pm | Population dynamics - Intertidal abiotic and biotic sampling |
| 12.30pm - 1.00pm | Lunch and toilets |
| 1.00pm - 1.30pm | Future Ecosystems |
| 2.00pm - 2.30pm | Conclude and depart |
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:
– 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.
Future Ecosystems
Inquiry question: How can human activity impact on an ecosystem?
Students:
● investigate changes in past ecosystems that may inform our approach to the management of future ecosystems, including:
– the role of changing climate on ecosystems
Biology 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.
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