Sustainable Biomes: Stage 5
Program overview
Investigation of the human alteration of biomes to produce food and the environmental effects of these alterations. A case study of a beef cattle property will be demonstrated.
Sites that the program may occur at consist of Glenola Farm and Yarramalong.
Activities include:
- mapping the sustainability features of the farm
- water testing of Wyong River
- soil health and compaction survey of three sites
- measuring abiotic features to compare the effects of vegetated and cleared areas
- a guest speaker visiting from Central Coast Council on the history and use of the farm (subject to availability).
Download our Stage 5 Sustainable Biomes brochure for more information.
Note: This program could also run at Avoca Lagoon
Earth's Natural Systems: Stage 6
Program Overview
Students will explore Rumbalara's diverse landscapes and distinctive physical features. they will investigatethe threats and effects of bushfires as a way to understand Earth's natural systems, including processes, cycles and circulations connecting natural systems.
The fieldwork will allow students to understand how natural areas on the Central Coast are managed within the Coastal Open Space System (COSS). the study can also include a focus on human-environment interactions, in particular bushfire and climate change.
Before their visit, students will have access to a Google site containing supporting informationsuch as spatial information and maps, historical weather data, historical bushfire data, Aboriginal use of Rumbalara and flora and fauna information.
Activities include:
- comparing two different vegetation communities using a variety of instruments to measure abiotic factors including anemometers, light meters, clinometers and soil testing instruments
- using water testing equipment to measure the quality of the water at Rumbalara Reserve and explain how the hydrosphere effects the rest of the biophysical environment.
- assessing human impact at Rumbalara Reserve
Download our Stage 6 Earth's Natural Systems brochure for more information.
Ecosystems at Risk: Stage 6
Program overview
At Avoca Lagoon students will investigate the endangered Green and Gold Bell Frog, urban impacts on water quality, and conduct a kayak based survey of impacts and endangered ecological communities.
Download our Stage 6 Ecosystems at Risk Avoca brochure for more information.
At Porters Creek Wetland students will study the management and impacts of stormwater runoff from a rapidly expanding urban area. Students investigate stormwater treatment devices, wetland ecosystems and measure water quality and the impact of changed hydrology on plants.
Download our Stage 6 Ecosystems at Risk Porter's Creek brochure for more information.