Stage 6 Investigating Science - Cause and Effect (Microplastics)

Students will walk along the belt transect and collect macro debris.

Classification of microplastics into size classes and polymer types.

About this excursion

This program will focus on microplastics. It includes a practical investigation that will collect a range of qualitative and quantitative primary data on the impact of microplastics on our coastal lagoons.

Field work activities include:

Use of a transect and quadrat to collect data
Classification of microplastics into size classes and polymer types
Collecting data on macroplastics and litter
Conducting water quality testing to identify other sources of pollution
Discussion of impacts and sources of microplastics in the local area

Key Questions

What is the occurrence of microplastics and macroplastics in the environment?
How is water quality measured to provide a snapshot of the environmental health of the lagoon?
What are the impacts and sources of microplastics in the local area?
What are some of the pressures that affect the long term sustainability of this ecosystem?

Learning Experiences

Working Scientifically

Students will undertake investigations including activities such as collecting primary data through fieldwork, processing and analysing data, reaching a conclusion and communicating results.

Macroplastic collection

Students will walk along the belt transect and collect macro debris. This will be recorded using a Tangaroa Blue data sheet.

Water quality

Students will use scientific equipment to measure water quality in the lagoon and consider how human activity in the catchment affects the health of the estuary.

Human impacts

Students will review data, information and management of the catchment in order to consider human impacts and long-term sustainability.

Important information

Location

Terrigal Lagoon

Cost

Visit our Bookings page to find all the latest pricing details for our current programs.

Key syllabus outcomes

Investigating Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)

❀ IS5-1WS – Develop questions and hypotheses for scientific investigation that are testable and relevant

❀ IS5-2WS – Plan and conduct scientific investigations involving manipulation of variables, selection of instruments and materials, and safety and ethical considerations

❀ IS5-3WS – Conduct investigations that control variables to produce reliable data

❀ IS5-4WS – Process, analyse, and evaluate primary and secondary data using appropriate techniques and technologies

❀ IS5-5WS – Communicate scientific understanding and findings using scientific representations and multi-modal forms

❀ IS5-7ES – Investigate and evaluate how human activities impact ecosystems and environmental sustainability

Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)

❀ ES5-1: Explains Earth and environmental science concepts and how science contributes to understanding environmental sustainability.

❀ ES5-2: Analyses contemporary Earth and environmental issues and evaluates responses.

❀ ES5-3: Develops and justifies scientific questions or hypotheses about Earth and environmental phenomena.

❀ ES5-4: Plans and conducts investigations relating to environmental science including data collection and safety considerations.

❀ ES5-5: Processes, analyses, and interprets data related to Earth and environmental science investigations.

❀ ES5-6: Communicates investigations, understanding, and conclusions using scientific language.

❀ ES5-7: Evaluates the influence of scientific understanding on sustainable practices and environmental policy.

Biology Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)

❀ BY5-2: Explains relationships between biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems and the impacts of human activities.
❀ BY5-3: Analyses how energy flows and matter cycles in ecosystems and how human activity affects these cycles.
❀ BY5-4: Plans and conducts investigations involving living organisms in their environments.
❀ BY5-5: Processes and analyses biological data and draws evidence-based conclusions.
❀ BY5-6: Communicates biological information and scientific understandings in appropriate forms.

Marine Studies Stage 6 (CEC) Syllabus (2012)

❀ MS5.1: Explains relationships between marine organisms and their environment and the role of abiotic factors.
❀ MS5.2: Analyses human impact on marine ecosystems, including pollution.
❀ MS5.3: Conducts and evaluates field and laboratory investigations relevant to marine environments.
❀ MS5.4: Analyses marine scientific data using appropriate methods and technologies.
❀ MS5.5: Communicates marine science concepts and findings effectively using scientific methods and terminology.

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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