Module 1 (cause and effect - observing) and/or module 2 (observations and inferences)
We run a range of investigating science excursions in a variety of locations. Use one of our pre-existing programs or contact us to tailor a program.
This excursion can contribute 5 hours to a depth study. Contact us to discuss options.
Key syllabus outcomes:
A student:
- develops and evaluates questions and hypotheses for scientific investigation INS11-1
- designs and evaluates investigations in order to obtain primary and secondary data and information INS11-2
- conducts investigations to collect valid and reliable primary and secondary data and information INS11-3
- selects and processes appropriate qualitative and quantitative data and information using a range of appropriate media INS11-4
- identifies that the collection of primary and secondary data initiates scientific investigations INS11-8
Inquiry questions:
- How does observation instigate scientific investigation?
- What are the benefits and drawbacks of qualitative and quantitative observations?
- How does primary data provide evidence for further investigation?
- What inferences can be drawn from observations?
Learning activities may include:
Let us know which of the following activities you would like included on your excursion:
- Observe and record features of the environment
- Estimate vegetation cover
- Examine Indigenous bush resources and their uses
- Observe and measure results of a recent fire event and make inferences
- Complete a citizen science investigation such as ClimateWatch or Hollows as Homes
- Measure and record qualitative and quantitative observations of abiotic factors
- Design and conduct an investigation into ant diversity and food preferences
- Complete an aquatic macroinvertebrate study and infer water quality
- Assess microplastics and macroplastics on a beach or waterway using AUSMAP (Australian Microplastic Assessment Project) methodology
Excursion sites:
We run investigating science excursions in a range of ecosystems and locations; some sites are accessible by public transport. Locations include:
- Honeymoon Track to Allambie Flat (woodland and freshwater investigations)
- Uloola Track from Waterfall (affected by fires in January 1994, Black Christmas 2002 and September 2017)
- Engadine Wetlands – artificial wetlands on the edge of the Royal National Park adjacent to the railway line (affected by fires in January 1994 and Black Christmas 2002)
- Bonnie Vale – mangroves
- Garie Beach or other beaches (e.g., Cronulla, Kyeemagh, Brighton-Le-Sands) for full-day AUSMAP assessment
Module 5 (scientific investigations)
Spend a day in the field designing and conducting investigations. We suggest a rock platform investigation, but can adapt a program for a range of ecosystems.
This excursion can contribute 5 hours to a depth study. Contact us to discuss options.
Key syllabus outcomes:
A student:
- develops and evaluates questions and hypotheses for scientific investigation INS12-1
- designs and evaluates investigations in order to obtain primary and secondary data and information INS12-2
- conducts investigations to collect valid and reliable primary and secondary data and information INS12-3
- develops and evaluates the process of undertaking scientific investigations INS12-12
Inquiry questions:
- What initiates an investigation?
- What type of methodology best suits a scientific investigation?
Learning activities may include:
- explore the environment to spark curiosity and brainstorm relationships and patterns to investigate
- design and conduct an investigation into the distribution of species
- design and conduct an investigation into an abiotic factor, e.g., salinity of rock pools
Excursion sites:
We run investigating science excursions in a range of ecosystems and locations; some sites are accessible by public transport. Locations include:
- Mangroves (Bonnie Vale)
- Rock Platforms (Shelley Beach, Bundeena, Shelly Park Beach, Cronulla, OR Sandon Point, Bulli)
- Rainforest (Bola Creek)
- Woodlands (Honeymoon Track OR Karloo Pool)
- Heath (Wattamolla or Winfred Falls)