The tidal rock platform is the ideal place to encounter nature’s complex processes. We’ll investigate the impact of tidal cycles on species distribution and abundance, and measure some of the abiotic factors that change across the day. We’ll witness interspecific relationships such as predation and commensalism occurring before our eyes, and map energy flows through the ecosystem using a food web.

Location

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

Program outline

• Morning session: Site briefing, background, tidal zone study
• Midday session: Abiotic testing, symbioses
• 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. Contact us to request.

We’ll investigate a variety of wetland habitats in this program. We’ll begin by studying Grey Mangrove and Strapweed, the dominant plants in their ecosystems, to find out how they survive in their habitats and how they play critical roles in wetland food webs. Students will use scientific instruments to record physical and chemical characteristics of marine and terrestrial environments, and capture animals from the mangrove and seagrass habitats for a close encounter.

Location

• Botany Bay (Kurnell)

Program outline

• Morning session: Site briefing, background, physical and chemical testing
• Midday session: Plant study, seagrass catch
• Afternoon session: Mangrove 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. Contact us to request.

Beginning from the ground up, we’ll study the processes and cycles that power the bushland ecosystem. A leaf litter study will show us the importance of decomposers in the nutrient cycle, and we’ll compile a local food web using species we encounter across the day. Students will also measure some important biotic and abiotic characteristics of two distinct vegetation communities in the landscape, and perform water quality tests in a freshwater creek to investigate human impacts on bushland.

Location

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

Program outline

• Morning session: Site briefing, background, leaf litter survey
• Midday session: Biotic and abiotic testing in two plant communities
• Afternoon session: Creek water study and animal catch

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.

Interactions between rainforest creatures and their environment – helpful, and harmful – form the basis of this field trip. We’ll observe some symbioses between unlikely species, and perform a leaf litter study to investigate the role of decomposers in the nutrient cycle. In two locations, students will test biotic and abiotic parameters to characterise the conditions experienced by rainforest organisms.

Location

• Mt Keira (Wollongong)

Program outline

• Morning session: Site briefing, background, biotic and abiotic testing
• Midday session: Nutrient cycles and leaf litter study
• Afternoon session: Animal catch and 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. Contact us to request.