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
- Measure and record qualitative and quantitative observations of abiotic factors
- 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
Program feedback
"The students keep telling me it was the best excursion they have ever gone on and I am so happy that they have absorbed and applied so many of the syllabus outcomes."
"Met the outcomes of the syllabus, great tactile experiences, students saw the relevance of what they were learning about."
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
- 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)