Ecosystem dynamics
Ecosystem dynamics
Biology
About this program
Students, just like scientists, learn by doing. The activities in this excursion package have a strong focus on the new syllabus skills for working scientifically and investigate the key inquiry question: What effect can one species have on the other species in a community?
Pre-visit information and activities look at questioning & predicting as well as planning investigations.
At Thalgarrah, skills in conducting investigations are covered.
Students will investigate the woodland ecosystem collecting qualitative and quantitative data about various species within the woodland. Students compare two different sites, measuring invertebrate diversity. Large random quadrats are set up to collect information about the various eucalypt species in the woodland.
After the trip to Thalgarrah, resources are available to assist students in processing and analysing data and information, problem solving and communicating.
Watch Ecosystem dynamics video
Activities
In this session you will carry out the following tasks:
Environmental changes with slope
1. Collect basic qualitative descriptive data for your study area to allow a comparison between the slope area and the flat area of the woodland.
2. Mark out a belt transect and record abiotic factors including the slope, light intensity and soil moisture along the transect.
3. Randomly collect a sample of 10 leaves in the area around the transect
In this session you will work both in the field and in the laboratory to carry out the following tasks:
Pitfall traps in grasslands and woodland and herbivory
1. Collect invertebrates from the randomly selected pitfall traps from all 3 sampling sites.
2. Identify and record the different specimens found in each trap and, therefore, each sampling site.
3. Measure and record the Total Proportion Damage (TPD) caused by invertebrate herbivory on each of the 10 leaves you have collected and then pool your data with the rest of the students.
Impact of tree size on habitat.
In this session you work in the field to carry out the following tasks
1. Mark out a 50m x 20m quadrat in the mature eucalyptus woodland
2. Measure the diameter at breast height (DBH) of every tree that occurs in the quadrat
3. Record whether there are hollows and mistletoe in each tree that occurs in the quadrat.
Important information
Science 7-10 Syllabus (2023)
Outcomes:
A student
* develops and evaluates questions and hypotheses for scientific investigation BIO11/12-1
* designs and evaluates investigations in order to obtain primary and secondary data and information BIO11/12-2
* conducts investigations to collect valid and reliable primary and secondary data and information BIO11/12-3
* selects and processes appropriate qualitative and quantitative data and information using a range of appropriate media BIO11/12-4
* analyses and evaluates primary and secondary data and information BIO11/12-5
* analyses ecosystem dynamics and the interrelationships of organisms within the ecosystem BIO11-11
Content:
Population Dynamics
Inquiry question: What effect can one species have on the other species in a community?
Students:
* investigate and determine relationships between biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem, including:
* the impact of abiotic factors
the impact of biotic factors, including predation, competition and symbiotic relationships
* the ecological niches occupied by species
predicting consequences for populations in ecosystems due to predation, competition, symbiosis and disease
* measuring populations of organisms using sampling techniques
| 10.00am | Activity 1: Environmental changes with slope |
| 11.00am | Morning Tea |
| 11.20am | Activity 2: Pitfall traps in grasslands and woodland and herbivory |
| 12.20pm | Lunch |
| 12.50pm | Activity 3: Impact of tree height on habitat |
| 1.50pm | Wrap up |
| 2.20pm | Program ends |
| What to bring |
Students
Teachers
|
| 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. |
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.