Years 7 - 10

The wetlands and rivers of the Swan Coastal Plain have been significantly affected by human–induced change; yet these ecosystems are still an important part of the biodiversity of the region. This excursion enables students to undertake a range of field tasks to assess the living and non-living components of these ecosystems with either a Biology or Geography focus. Students explore key concepts related to ecosystem structure and function such as feeding relationships and energy flow, ecosystem services and challenges to sustainability. You can adapt the excursion to your specific needs through your selection of optional activities. 

Please read through all the below options carefully as you will be asked to select your optional activities on your booking enquiry form.

Cross-curricular and General capabilities: Critical and Creative Thinking (ACv9), Numeracy (ACv9), Personal and Social Capability (ACv9), Sustainability (ACv9) 

Core activities (both activities are automatically included in your day):

Site survey
The site survey gives students on overview of the ecosystem being studied and is an excellent introduction to the site. Students record observations on a range of ecosystem components such as plant life, animal activity, water appearance, condition of banks, drains and pipes, and human activity and impact. Each component is scored according to students’ perception and an initial indication of the quality of the environment is obtained. This is used to focus students thinking on the questions they will seek to answer from the following field work.

Science, HASS, Priorities - Sust 

Duration – 1 Hour

Water quality testing
In small groups students will collect water samples according to standard protocols and conduct water quality tests using field equipment. Parameters measured include: temperature, pH, Electrical Conductivity (salinity), Turbidity (clarity) and the nutrients Phosphate and Nitrate. Students’ results will be compared to Australian guidelines to assess the health of the waterbody.

Science, HASS, Priorities - Sust 

Duration – 1 Hour

Optional activities (select 90 minutes' worth of activities from):

Macroinvertebrate sampling (60 mins)
Wetland invertebrates can give an indication of the health of the ecosystem through their species diversity and abundance and through the presence / absence of sensitive species. Students sort and analyze a sample to classify and record the organisms. This can lead to a discussion of feeding relationships and the food web of the wetland.

Science, HASS, Priorities - Sust 

Duration – 1 Hour

A topographic map or aerial photograph of the site is used for students to label features on the ground. They then complete a field sketch of the site with notes on the various components (such as land use) to summarize information about the site.

HASS
Duration – 30 minutes

Bird identification (30 mins)
Our rivers and wetlands are home to a very diverse array of bird species of all shapes and sizes. Students use binoculars to observe and identify what birds are present at your site; they then consider their role in the aquatic ecosystem.

Science, HASS, Priorities - Sust 

Duration – 30 minutes

Human Impacts (30 mins)
Human impacts can be positive or negative. Students observe what impacts humans have had on this site and consider their consequences for the ecosystem. We look at how positive impacts can be enhanced to ensure the site is cared for into the future.

Science, HASS, Priorities - Sust 

Duration – 30 minutes

Management Strategies (30 mins)
A walk around the site to look at the various management strategies that are in place and a discussion to consider their effectiveness. Students also consider what else may be needed in future for the sustainability of this ecosystem.

HASS, Priorities - Sust 

Science (7,9), HASS (7,9,10)

Duration – 30 minutes

COST: $505 (inc GST), max 30 students

Excursion runs from 10am to 2pm including time for morning tea and lunch. Groups arrive at 10 am then have 15-20 minutes for morning tea, activities commence after morning tea. Finish times can be adjusted to your needs.

Venues:

• Point Walter Reserve, Bicton
• Canning River Eco Education Centre, Wilson
• Neil Hawkins Park, Yellagonga Regional Park, Joondalup

Please note:

1. Maximum students per group is 30. Multiple groups can be accommodated.
2. Our booking officer will get back to you via email to confirm your excursion within 7 working days.
   

Click here for more information on planning your visit:

If you have any questions regarding this activity, please email us at n2n@dbca.wa.gov.au. You need to submit and online enquiry form for any program, no bookings will be taken via email or phone.