Stage 4 Science - Living Systems, Long Jetty

Students will use scientific equipment to measure water quality in the estuary.
Students will review data, information and management of the estuary

About this excursion

Students will undertake scientific investigations to measure and describe the characteristics of an ecosystem. This includes the use of scientific instruments, sampling techniques and classification keys. Students will discuss food webs of the estuary and adaptations of organisms.

The program involves fieldwork at Saltwater Creek, Long Jetty.

Key Questions:

  1. What are the characteristics of the Tuggerah Lakes estuary ecosystem at Long Jetty?
  2. How do abiotic factors and biological interactions affect the distribution of species in this environment?
  3. What are some of the pressures that affect the long term sustainability of this ecosystem?

Learning Experiences

Working Scientifically

Field work activities include:

  • use of transects and quadrats
  • wildlife observation with reference to field guides
  • measurement of physical and chemical abiotic influences e.g soil, temperature, humidity, wind
  • practical observations and discussion of adaptations of plant and animal species
  • discussion of environmental pressures that promote a change in species diversity and abundance.
Plant Identification and Adaptations
Students will investigate and identify the diversity of plants in the estuary foreshore using identification keys, transects and quadrats. They will also discuss their adaptations for survival.
Water Quality
Students will use scientific equipment to measure water quality in the estuary and consider how human activity in the catchment affect the health of the estuary.
Food webs and estuary processes
Students will consider the food webs and natural cycles that contribute to the estuary functioning and describe interactions between organisms.
Human Impacts
Students will review data, information and management of the estuary in order to consider human impacts and long-term sustainability.

Important information

Locations
Long Jetty
Cost
Visit our Bookings page to find all the latest pricing details for our current programs.
Key syllabus outcomes

Science (2023)

❀ SC4-LIV-01 describes the role, structure and function of a range of living systems and their components.

❀ SC4-WS-01 - uses scientific tools and instruments for observations

❀ SC4-WS-04 - follows a planned procedure to undertake safe and valid investigations

❀ SC4-WS-05 - uses a variety of ways to process and represent data

❀ SC4-WS-08 - communicates scientific concepts and ideas using a range of communication forms

Please let us know if you are working on an alternate syllabus version so we can adapt accordingly.

More information

Additional Resources

Upon booking, you will receive our full program resources along with the relevant Risk Assessments.

Program Brochure

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