another special edition from your environmental & …€¦ · enrichment project for year 10...

Science Update now online at http://issuu.com/science_newletter

The non- DEC products and events listed in this eNews are to be used at the reader’s discretion.

The inclusion of product and event information is not an endorsement by the DEC.

Where is my nearest Centre? You can find contact details for all the

EZECs here or use the interactive map. This special edition features contributions from:

Check out this small sample of the great science programs and activities that EZEC has to offer!

Transect & Quadrat study – Bournda Beach

Science Update EZEC

ANOTHER SPECIAL EDITION FROM YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL & ZOO EDUCAT ION CENTRES

What do Environmental and Zoo Education Centres have to offer your science students?

Professional staff who meet mandatory

DEC training requirements.

Safe excursion locations operated and

staffed by the Department of Education

and Communities.

Support with mandatory fieldwork tasks.

A great variety of programs that will

engage students from Years 7 to 12.

Links with universities, government

agencies, NGOs and community

organisations.

Equipment and teaching and learning

resources to support your fieldwork

activities.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ELPSE_subscription

http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/env_ed/centres/

https://maps.google.com.au/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=204568743030128886760.0004c94e45b45b7965d49&dg=feature




EZEC SCIENCE UPDATE PAGE 2

offers a range of science programs for each

stage K - 12.

A Local Ecosystem Study (one day or two day)

Students perform an in-depth investigation into the nature of ecosystems by performing the mandatory

fieldwork component of their syllabus. Students learn about sampling methods and perform both a quadrat and transect study. During these scientific

studies students will learn to use a range of scientific equipment to measure, observe, identify and report on biotic and abiotic factors that determine the distribution and abundance of

organisms within the environment. Students will also estimate the size of a plant population and look at some trophic relationships

within the ecosystem. Groups staying overnight will be involved in monitoring small native mammal numbers by trapping under the EEC’s fauna

licence. P2 applies the processes that are used to test and validate models, theories and laws of science, with particular emphasis on first-hand investigations in biology P7 describes the range of organisms in terms of specialisation for a habitat P8 analyses the interrelationships of organisms within the ecosystem P12 discusses the validity and reliability of data gathered from first-hand investigations and secondary sources P14 draws valid conclusions from gathered data and information P16 demonstrates positive values about and attitudes towards both the living and nonliving components of ̀the environment, ethical behaviour and a desire for a critical evaluation of the consequences of the applications of science

Spring into sustainability - Stage 3

Students will explore the local natural area and look at the sustainable lifestyle and practices of the traditional Aboriginal custodians. They will explore

the effects of our increasing population and our consumer based lifestyle on the health of the planet. Students will be challenged to look at their

own lifestyle and consider their impact on our planet. They will engage in hands on scientific

process such as maximising the cooking potential of solar ovens and design and construction of blades for generating electricity using a wind

turbine.

A unit designed to make us all improve our

lifestyle!!

SC4-4WS identifies questions and problems that

can be tested or researched and makes predictions based on scientific knowledge SC4-5WS collaboratively and individually produces a plan to investigate questions and problems SC4-6WS follows a sequence of instructions to safely undertake a range of investigation types, collaboratively and individually SC4-7WS processes and analyses data from a first hand investigation and secondary sources to identify trends, patterns and relationships, and draw conclusions


http://www.wooglemaieec.com.au/




PAGE 3 EZEC SCIENCE UPDATE

Students undertaking the program will

participate in a:

Harbour Cruise (subsidised by Lend Lease

and BDA), including an expert

commentary on Sydney Harbour

Plankton study sampled from Sydney

Harbour

Presentation on the impacts of climate

change on the marine biology of Sydney

Harbour at SIMS

Species classification activity and

physiology study of estuarine species

Series of water quality tests including the

use of data harvest probes

National litter survey or optional 75 minute

snorkelling experience in Chowder Bay

swimming enclosure with accredited

snorkeling instructors

More information about this project can be

found at:

http://observatoryhilleec.nsw.edu.au/special

-projects/sydney-harbour- investigating-an-

estuary/

Sydney Harbour - investigating an

estuary A Science Enrichment Project for Year 10 to promote high achievement in Science

Observatory Hill Environmental Education

Centre is offering a unique opportunity for

schools to participate in a science

enrichment project for Year 10 Science

students in Term 4.

Project aims:

To expose students to research

projects and scientific procedures to

promote science as a career and

senior subject choice

To investigate the marine environment

of Sydney Harbour and to develop

knowledge, skills and understanding

about the marine environment and its

biological diversity

To provide opportunities for students to

work scientifically through fieldwork

techniques to investigate estuarine

habitats

To engage students in authentic

learning around investigating the

impact of human activity on the

functioning of habitats in estuarine

ecosystems

To develop an understanding about

the management practices used to

protect estuarine environments

including marine engineering and

technological advances


http://observatoryhilleec.nsw.edu.au/special-projects/sydney-harbour-%20investigating-an-estuary/







Stage 6 Local Ecosystems Biology 8.2 , Earth and Environ Science 8.3, Senior Science 8.5

Conduct a scientific investigation of a local environment and discuss

human impacts. Design and test your own student designed

hypothesis and use transects and quadrats to study the distribution

and abundance of plants and animals. Learn about plant and

animal adaptations and how to measure the abiotic factors using

specialised sets of equipment provided by Dorroughby EEC. A pre

and post visit support pack will also be provided to teachers.

Choices of environments include Minyon Falls Rainforest, Rock

Platforms at Flat Rock (Ballina) or Woody Head (Iluka) and mangroves

at Evans Head or Brunswick Heads (Canoes can be hired at Evans &

Brunswick if you would like to take the trip by water. Accommodation is available at Dorroughby EEC to allow access to all these ecosystems. Costs are $15 per night /per student including teaching activities.


http://www.dorroughby-e.schools.nsw.edu.au/





2015 Sapphire Coast

Science Festival 15-23 August 2015

A group of volunteers under the banner of the Sapphire Coast Regional Science Hub has been successful in gaining funding for the 2015 Sapphire Coast Science Festival, under the Inspiring Australia program,

The Sapphire Coast Science Festival is a week-long celebration of science which will deliver high-profile science engagement activities for the entire community to participate in. The program of events aim to highlight the impact that science has on people’s lives and the world in which they live. Events include talks, demonstrations and activities which illustrate a variety of fascinating areas of science that will aim to appeal to all, but particularly those who may not be currently engaged in science.

The official launch at Bournda Environment

Education Centre will kick off with the

“The Wonders of Wallagoot”–

a focus on the science of estuaries

Other highlights include a visiting insect

and invertebrate specialist, Indigenous

astronomy events, Science in the Pub,

Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre

Open Day, and a ‘Science in film’ night.

The 2014 Festival was opened by Federal MP Dr. Peter Hendy after a traditional Welcome to Country

conducted by Graham Moore. Graham’s Indigenous Science workshop was one of the big hits of the Festival!

For further information see:

www.scienceweek.net.au and the

Facebook page of the

Sapphire Coast Regional Science Hub

National Science Week and Regional

Science Hub activities are a great way

for science teachers to connect with

science in the wider community


http://inspiringaustralia.net.au/

http://www.scienceweek.net.au/

https://www.facebook.com/SapphireScienceHub





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Students engaged….in

the lab and outdoors.

NEW FOR THE AUSTRALIAN

CURRICULUM IN 2015.

Day visits, or organise a stay in

our refurbished dorms in historic

Gulgong, NSW Contact us on

6374 2558 or redhill-

[email protected]

Stage 2 PUSH/PULL. Students explore pushes and pulls. Through

investigations students observe and gather evidence about how these forces

act in the air, water, and on the ground. Activities include: Push Pull audit, Balloon Racer, Push/Pull games, Pop Rocket launcher, Water Fun.

STAGE 3 SCIENCE: MARVELLOUS MICROBES. Students immerse themselves in the world of Micro-organisms. They learn about the

characteristics and properties of Micro-organisms. They also experience using

Microscopes; fair scientific testing; accurate data collection; hypothesising and

drawing knowledge based conclusions. Includes: Fun with microscopes, Microbe Soup, Microbe Magic, Magic Balloon, Microbes and Food, Microbes to

Scale and Microbe song.

STAGE 4 : ABORIGINAL ECOLOGY. Students will investigate

Aboriginal resource management and ecology through interactive engagement with a range of activities that demonstrate sustainable resource management,

traditional culture and the Aboriginal worldview of the environment. Activities

include: Yarning Circle, Stone Tool Making, Bush Tucker, Dendroglyphs,

Astronomy and others.






Are you gathering evidence for accreditation? Contact your nearest centre for support with conducting a fieldwork task; like this one from the AITSL website


http://www.aitsl.edu.au/australian-professional-standards-for-teachers/illustrations-of-practice/detail?id=IOP00068

http://www.aitsl.edu.au/australian-professional-standards-for-teachers/illustrations-of-practice/detail?id=IOP00068





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Contact the Warrumbungle Environmental Education Centre for more information.

[email protected]


http://www.warrumbung-e.schools.nsw.edu.au/

mailto:[email protected]





Looking for a great way to introduce students to the concepts of population sampling, before going on your biology field trip to your local EEC? This classic exercise, by Dr. Barry Kentish, was first

published in the Australian Science Teachers Journal in 1993 and is reproduced in full with kind permission of the Australian Science Teachers Association. Publications like Teaching Science are a gold mine of useful science activities. You can download the Teaching Science Index for 1983-2011 from their website. A word of advice about this activity – don’t use the “Personal Ads” from tabloids!


http://asta.edu.au/resources/teachingscience/index





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another special edition from your environmental & …€¦ · enrichment project for year 10...

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