Woodland birds

Measuring Coarse Woodly Debris (CWD)

Working together to work out Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) of a tree

About this program

This study will provide students with the theory and practical investigations involved in understanding how organisms may respond to changes in their environment as per the requirements of the curriculum by focusing on Stage 5 Science Outcomes.

Students will follow a number of planned procedures to undertake safe, ethical, valid and reliable investigations.

Activities

Calculating course woody debris mass and determining the diversity and presence of invertebrates.

This session is divided into two parts within a 1Ha series of quadrats. The students will carry out the following:

Part A: Identify and record the presence and diversity of invertebrates.

Part B: Measure and calculate the average mass of course woody debris (CWD).

Field observation of the diversity and presence of woodland birds.

During this session the students will travel along a 400m transect through the Thalgarrah EEC woodland using observation techniques and tools to survey the presence of woodland bird species. This will be a guided experience lead by experienced ornithologist Steve Debus.

Analysis of the diversity of the woodland structures

This session is divided into two parts and will be conducted in a 50m x 50m area. The students will carry out the following:

Part A: Record the measurements of diameter at breast height (DBH) of trees in the area.

Part B: Collect 50 samples of data to conduct a step point assessment of ground cover within the area.

Important information

Syllabus outcomes and content

Science 7-10 Syllabus (2023)

Outcomes:

* Follows a planned procedure to undertake safe, ethical, valid and reliable investigations. SC5-WS-04

* Analyses data from investigations to identify trends, patterns and relationships, and draws conclusions. SC5-WS-06.

* Analyses the impact of human activity on the natural world. SC5-ENV-01

Content:

* Implement safe work practices and manage risks

* Follow the planned procedure and identify and respond to errors if they occur

* Systematically and accurately collect and record data, information, evidence and findings

* Describe patterns and trends, including inconsistencies in data and information

* Describe the relationship between variables

* Assess the validity and reliability of first-hand data

* Synthesis data and information to develop evidence-based arguments

* Evaluate conclusions and evidence, including identifying sources of uncertainty and possible alternative explanations

Location

Thalgarrah EEC

Sample activities schedule


10.00am	Activity 1: Calculating course woody debris mass and determining the diversity and presence of invertebrates
11.00am	Morning Tea
11.20am	Activity 2: Field observation of the diversity and presence of woodland birds
12.20pm	Lunch
12.50pm	Activity 3: Analysis of the diversity of the woodland structures
1.50pm	Wrap up
2.20pm	Program ends

Teacher information


What to bring	Students Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor learning Hat Covered walking shoes Own recess and lunch ('nude food'/plastic free food is encouraged) Water bottle Teachers Own recess and lunch. Visiting adults are welcome to use the refrigerator and microwave. Tea and coffee is provided. Water bottle Special medical/learning requirements for individual students
Extreme or wet weather	Program may be modified, postponed or cancelled due to predicted extreme temperatures, bush fire danger, heavy rainfall, high winds or dust storms. Check the weather forecast for the Armidale area.
Medical notifications	Notify us by completing and returning the student welfare form at least one week before the excursion. This form will be sent out upon confirmation of booking.

Ready to visit?

Call or email us to get started.

Make a booking

background

dark

Contact us

Get in touch to ask a question, plan a visit or find out more about what we offer.

About our centre

Learn how our centre helps students explore, learn and connect with nature.