Field Study School Excursions - Sydney - Biology

Year 11 Biology
Ecosystem Dynamics

Programs can be used as stimulus or as practical investigation for the new Depth Study component and will contribute to 5 of the 15 required hours for a Depth Study.

ROCK PLATFORM

Location
Long Reef Rock Platform, Collaroy

Excursion Synopsis
Students will examine the distribution and abundance of tidal rockshelf animals using quadrats and study zonation using a transect.

Abiotic components such as temperature and salinity will be measured and human impact will be discussed. Relationships between organisms will be studied and a species list will be generated.

A producer and a consumer organism will be identified using a key and studied in detail to observe their structural features and adaptations.

Independent Research Project
An Independent Research Project based on Ecosystem Dynamics at Long Reef can be conducted, suitable for an independent depth study. Prior to the field study, an equipment list, equipment instructions sheet, and worksheets are sent to the booking teacher, allowing students to design their own investigation based on the pre-excursion reading. On the day, Auseco instructors will help students refine their investigation and guide students through use of experimental equipment and sampling techniques.

Please note: Due to the level of preparation and pre-excursion research, the program is best suited for highly motivated students and teachers.

WETLANDS
Location
Botany Bay, Towra Point

Excursion Synopsis
Students study in detail four main components of this habitat – Seagrass, Mangroves, Salt Marsh and Sand Dunes. Chemical and physical tests allow students to detail the differences in these environments.

A plant transect study shows the progression and change of dominate plant species. The mangrove is a very unique organism, students learn of its adaptations and characteristics first hand.

Quadrats are used to measure distribution and abundance of animals with the mangrove forest. A seagrass animal catch gives students the opportunity to capture and study the local marine life. Relationships between organsims will be studied and a species list will be generated.

BUSHLAND
Location
Camp Kedron, Ingleside
Bantry Bay, Forestville
Camp Coutts, Heathcote

Excursion Synopsis
Students will compare two plant communities by measuring abiotic factors such as temperature, soil moisture, soil depth, pH and aspect. Quadrats will be used to measure distribution and abundance of trees.

A native plant and an animal will be studied in detail to observe their structural features and adaptations.

Students will observe and identify relationships between organisms studied throughout the day. Human impacts in this ecosystem will be observed and discussed.

RAINFOREST
Location
Mt Keira, Wollongong

Excursion Synopsis
Students will focus on the rainforest community but will superficially compare it to the adjacent sclerophyll forest by observing the vegetation. In the rainforest students will measure abiotic factors such as soil moisture and soil pH. Quadrats will be used to measure distribution and abundance of rainforest trees.

A plant and an animal will be identified and studied in detail to observe their structural features and adaptations.

Relationships between organisms will be studied and human impacts on the rainforest will be observed and discussed.

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