Kamay Botany Bay Environmental Education Centre

NSW Department of Education Teachers

Telephone02 9668 9889 / 0477 742 284

Emailkamaybotany-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Stage 6 - Geography - Ecosystems and Global Biodiversity - Towra Point Nature Reserve

Stage 6 geography

Locations

Woolooware Wader Lagoon and Towra Point Nature Reserve, Kurnell

Overview:

This excursion offers students a unique opportunity to  investigate the intertidal wetland ecosystem at this RAMSAR listed site. 

Key syllabus outcomes:

Students investigate the functioning of ecosystems, their value, the roles of natural and human stresses, and trends in global biodiversity.

  • GE-12-01 - analyses rural and urban places, ecosystems, global biodiversity and economic activity, for their characteristics, spatial patterns, interactions, and nature and extent of change over time
  • GE-12-02 - analyses geographical processes and influences, at a range of scales, that form and transform places and environments
  • GE-12-03 - assesses geographical opportunities and challenges, and the role of varying perspectives and responses in their management
  • GE-12-04 - evaluates responses and management strategies, at a range of scales, for sustainability
  • GE-12-05 -s ynthesises and evaluates relevant geographical information from a variety of sources
  • GE-12-07 - selects and applies geographical inquiry skills and tools, including spatial technologies, fieldwork, and ethical practices, to investigate places and environments
  • GE-12-09 -communicates and applies geographical understanding, using geographical knowledge, concepts, terms and tools, in appropriate forms

Key inquiry questions:

How does this ecosytem function?

Why is this ecosystem valued? 

What natural and human stressors are effecting this ecosystem?

What are the trends for this particular ecosystem within a global biodiversity context?

Students will:

  • observe both migratory and local shorebirds first hand
  • interpret and annotate a spacial map
  • observe and record the unique features of an intertidal wetland ecosystem
  • construct a flow diagram to describe the characteristics of the ecosystem
  • collect abiotic data and observe its impact on biotics 
  • observe and assess human impacts and management strategies including traditional and contemporary management practices

Learning across the curriculum content:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures
  • Sustainability
  • Literacy
  • Numeracy