Module 1 (Earth's resources)
Students investigate rocks, minerals and soil throughout the day as they bushwalk through heath and woodland ecosystems.
Key syllabus outcomes:
A student:
- conducts investigations to collect valid and reliable primary and secondary data and information EES11/12-3
- describes the key features of the Earth’s systems, including the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere and how they are interrelated EES11-8
Learning activities may include:
- return bushwalk on Bungoona Path and one-way bushwalk down the Honeymoon Track to Reids Flat
- observing the features of rocks and minerals found on Bungoona Path
- measuring mass and volume of rocks in order to calculate density
- examining Aboriginal classification of rocks
- observing the physical properties of minerals and rocks
- devising a dichotomous key to classify common rocks found on Bungoona Path
- measuring, recording and comparing physical factors in the heath and woodland
- conducting soil testing to classify soil texture (including ball and ribbon method and sedimentation)
- conducting a leaf litter survey and connecting to soil properties
- observing evidence of interactions between atmospheric, geologic, hydrologic and biotic processes (e.g., erosion and weathering)
Excursion site:
Module 4 (Human impacts)
Bundeena and Jibbon provide an excellent case study for the impacts of humans on the environment. As students walk through Bundeena and along Jibbon Beach, they examine soil, stormwater management and the impact of introduced species. They will encounter evidence of introduced plants and animals, with a focus on the Rusa deer.
This excursion contributes 5 hours to a depth study. An example of a depth study supported by this excursion is:
- How effective is the management of the introduced Rusa Deer in the Royal National Park?
Program feedback
"Both teachers were passionate and knowledgeable about their subject and were very approachable, so the students were able to ask plenty of questions. It was a really good day. "
Key syllabus outcomes:
A student:
- designs and evaluates investigations in order to obtain primary and secondary data and information EES11-2
- conducts investigations to collect valid and reliable primary and secondary data and information EES11-3
- describes human impact on the Earth in relation to hydrological processes, geological processes and biological changes EES11-11
Inquiry question:
- How can water be managed for use by humans and ecosystems?
- How does human use of land affect soil?
- How do introduced species affect the Australian environment and ecosystems?
Learning activities may include:
- Measure and record abiotic factors across field sites
- Observe and summarise stormwater management strategies in the suburb of Bundeena
- Investigate water quality
- Identify evidence of soil erosion and Investigate methods used to prevent soil erosion
- Use GPS devices to map evidence of introduced species, e.g., tracks and scats
- Summarise biotic and abiotic effects of introduced species
- Record the history of deer in the Royal National Park
- Record human impacts that favour deer
- Observe and summarise methods to control or mitigate deer impact
Excursion site:
- Bundeena, Jibbon Beach and headland