Program overview
This series of lessons and corresponding fieldwork aims to assist students in acquiring Working Scientifically skills, including a practical fieldwork experience where students develop a question, plan and conduct an investigation in the plant communities along the Minnamurra River. Students continue working through the Working Scientifically skills by reporting on the results and conclusions they make.
Prerequisite lessons
Ecological Fieldwork
Background information on ecological fieldwork and techniques used to collect data
Practical investigation - school ground weeds
A hands-on practical investigation on the weeds in the school grounds where students formulate an hypothesis after identifying variables and then use quadrat sampling methods to conduct an investigation. A simple report is completed after processing and analysing the data.
Fieldwork day preparation
Preparation for the fieldwork day involves developing an investigation in preparation for the day. Two relationships are presented; one is partially complete, while the other requires self-guided exploration. Students are expected to bring their prepared investigation with them on the day of the fieldwork.
Fieldwork day
Students conduct a qualitative assessment of the coastal ecosystems on the Minnamurra River, before conducting quadrat surveys, reviewing their prepared hypotheses and conducting a transect experiment and collecting data on abiotic factors.
Post excursion lesson
Report Writing
Students process and analyse data and prepare a report to communicate their findings.
