Wetlands Experience
Stages 1-3
Location
Woolooware Wader Lagoon and Bonna Point Reserve, Kurnell
Overview
This excursion will provide primary school students with an opportunity to explore Woolooware Wader Lagoon and Bonna Point Reserve in Kurnell, immersing them in the unique ecosystems of these wetlands. Through observation, inquiry, and hands-on activities, students will learn about the importance of wetlands in the natural environment.
This excursion to Woolooware Wader Lagoon and Bonna Point Reserve aims to provide students with an immersive educational experience that deepens their understanding of wetland ecosystems. By integrating classroom learning with field activities, students will develop critical thinking skills and a sense of responsibility towards environmental conservation.
Science and Technology K-6
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Living World
- STe-3LW-ST: Identifies and explores the observable features of living things and objects.
- ST1-4LW-S: Describes observable features of living things and their environments.
- ST2-4LW-S: Describes how living things depend on each other and the environment to survive.
- ST3-4LW-S: Explains how the environment affects the growth, survival, and adaptation of living things.
Geography K-10
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Places are Similar and Different
- GE1-1: Describes features of places and the connections people have with places.
- GE1-2: Identifies ways in which people interact with and care for places.
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The Earth’s Environment
- GE2-1: Examines features and characteristics of places and environments.
- GE2-2: Describes the ways people, places, and environments interact.
- GE2-3: Examines differing perceptions about the management of places and environments.
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Factors that Shape Places
- GE3-1: Describes the diverse features and characteristics of places and environments.
- GE3-2: Explains interactions and connections between people, places, and environments.
- GE3-3: Compares and contrasts influences on the management of places and environments.
- What are wetlands, and why are they important to our environment?
- How do living organisms adapt to survive in wetland habitats?
- How can we group birds?
- How are environments and birds interdependent?
- What actions can we take to protect and conserve our wetlands?
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures
- Sustainability
- Literacy
- Numeracy
- Crtical and creative thinking
| 10:00 - 10:15 | Introduction and bird identification |
| 10:20 - 10:45 | Acknowledgement of country, toilets & fruit break at Bonna Point Reserve |
| 10:50 – 11:30 | Beak |
| 11:30 – 12:10 | Scientific bird sketch |
| 12:15 – 12:40 | Lunch |
| 12:45 - 1:45 | 3x ecosystem walk and bird identification |
| 1:50 – 2:00 | Feedback, reflect on key inquiry question |
* There may be variations to timetable based on specific location, group size and weather
Students will:
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Introduction to Wetlands (Classroom):
- Begin with a brief introduction to wetlands, discussing their features, significance, and the specific sites of Woolooware Wader Lagoon and Bonna Point.
- Utilize multimedia presentations to show images and videos of the wetlands.
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Field Observation at Woolooware Wader Lagoon:
- visit of the Woolooware Wader Lagoon Viewing Platform with a focus on identifying plant and animal species.
- Use of binoculars to observe bird species and plant life.
- Discussion on the importance of wetlands for bird migration and habitat, focusing on adaptations of species such as mangroves and shorebirds.
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Interactive Learning at Bonna Point:
- Creative Arts activity completing a scientific bird sketch
- Birdwatching session with identification guides for students to recognise different bird species.
- Participate in a beak game that develops students' skills in learning about birds' adaptations
- Exploration of the mangrove area, beach and woodland ecosystems with discussions on the role of mangroves in coastal protection and ecosystem health.
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Reflection and Discussion (On-Site and classroom):
- Students will share their observations and findings from the day.
- Group discussion on how to implement sustainable practices to protect wetlands.
- Develop action plans for raising awareness about wetland conservation, potentially linking to community projects.