SC4-6WS A student follows a sequence of instructions to safely undertake a range of investigation types, collaboratively and individually

SC4-7WS A student processes and analyses data from a first-hand investigation and secondary sources to identify trends, patterns and relationships, and draw conclusions

SC4-15LW A student explains how new biological evidence changes people’s understanding of the world

SC4-14LW A student relates the structure and function of living things to their classification, survival and reproduction 

Tidal rock platforms experience a range of biotic and abiotic conditions across the day, meaning the marine organisms must be adapted to survive extremes of temperature, desiccation, predation and competition, all determined by the tidal cycle. As we explore this challenging habitat, we’ll use scientific equipment to measure some of these abiotic factors, then capture and classify a marine animal for a close study of its observable features and adaptations.

Location

• Long Reef rock platform (Collaroy)
• Bass Point (Shellharbour) – coming soon!

Program outline

• Morning session: Site briefing, background, producer study
• Midday session: Biotic and abiotic testing in rock platform zones
• Afternoon session: Animal catch, food webs

Activities are performed in a rotation to accommodate multiple classes. The timing and location of activities will vary according to factors such as the school’s schedule, number of classes, and the environmental conditions on the day.

Sample worksheets are available which also contain details of scientific skills, equipment and secondary data provided by this program. Please request using the button below.

Location

This field trip features two distinct wetland ecosystems: mangrove forests and seagrass meadows. We’ll study the dominant plant species in each ecosystem to observe its adaptations and interactions with all the other creatures in its habitat. We’ll take measurements of biotic and abiotic factors in each habitat, capture and study marine creatures up close, and construct a food web to study the flow of energy through the ecosystem.

• Botany Bay (Kurnell)

Program outline

• Morning session: Site briefing, background, mangrove and seagrass plant study
• Midday session: Biotic and abiotic testing
• Afternoon session: Animal catch in mangrove forest and seagrass meadows

Activities are performed in a rotation to accommodate multiple classes. The timing and location of activities will vary according to factors such as the school’s schedule, number of classes, and the environmental conditions on the day.

Sample worksheets are available which also contain details of scientific skills, equipment and secondary data provided by this program. Contact us to request.

Complex bushland vegetation communities change character across the landscape according to biotic and abiotic factors such as soil moisture and aspect. We’ll take measurements of these factors using scientific equipment, and observe how the characteristics of tree species help them to survive and reproduce in their given habitat. We’ll also study freshwater creek ecosystems, collecting animals to create a lotic food web and observing one creature’s structure and function in detail.

Location

• Camp Kedron (Ingleside)
• Bantry Bay (Frenchs Forest)
• Camp Coutts (Waterfall)
• Manly Dam (Allambie)

Program outline

• Morning session: Site briefing, background, tree study
• Midday session: Biotic and abiotic testing in bushland communities
• Afternoon session: Creek water testing and animal catch, animal study

Activities are performed in a rotation to accommodate multiple classes. The timing and location of activities will vary according to factors such as the school’s schedule, number of classes, and the environmental conditions on the day.

Sample worksheets are available which also contain details of scientific skills, equipment and secondary data provided by this program. Contact us to request.

The subtropical rainforest is a jungle of trees, vines, ferns and epiphytes, all adapted to thrive in the rich soils and high moisture conditions. We’ll consider the influences of geology, moisture and sunlight on rainforest organisms, take measurements of abiotic and biotic factors, and study a local plant and animal in detail to observe how their structure and function help their survival and reproduction in this rich and beautiful habitat.

Location

• Mt Keira (Wollongong)

Program outline

• Morning session: Site briefing, background, rainforest habitat and plant study
• Midday session: Biotic and abiotic testing
• Afternoon session: Rainforest animal catch, animal study

Activities are performed in a rotation to accommodate multiple classes. The timing and location of activities will vary according to factors such as the school’s schedule, number of classes, and the environmental conditions on the day.

Sample worksheets are available which also contain details of scientific skills, equipment and secondary data provided by this program. Contact us to request.