Stage 6 - Introduced Species

Earth and Environmental Science

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Program Overview

This unique and highly engaging program allows students to perform a first-hand investigation into local introduced species, such as salvinia and gambusia by kayak.

Students perform primary abiotic and biotic data collection at Penrith Lakes. Secondary follow up data is provided with adequate opportunity for further research. Students will conduct an aquatic macro invertebrate / vertebrate survey and water quality tests to ascertain the likely occurrence of salvinia and gambusia (introduced species) impacting on the lakes.

Secondary data looks at the presence and impact of an introduced species, Gambusia, which has contributed to the decline / local extinction of an Australian native species, the Green and Golden Bell Frog.

Students are guaranteed to be involved in a number of engaging and hands on experiences during the course of the day. Through these, students will further develop their knowledge and understanding, fieldwork and group work skills.

Note: Student numbers are limited to 16 as set down in the DoE guidelines.

(If you have more then 16 students please refer to our Human Impacts-Water Management/Introduced Species program)

Focus

Earth and Environmental Science Focus Area

Stage 6: Human Impacts - Kayak Investigation

Note: This excursion can also be used as a model for a DEPTH STUDY.

Macro-invertebrates - Biotic data collection

Kayaking on regatta lake

Safety Instructions

Investigating introduced aquatic plants

Program Activities

Introduction to Penrith Lakes and the development of the local freshwater ecosystem

Instruction for using Abiotic Testing Equipment

Recess

Water Testing - Abiotic data collection

Macroinvertebrates - Biotic Data Collection

Kayak Investigation of an introduced species - Salvinia Molesta

Lunch

Wrap up - The impact of an introduced species on the Penrith Lakes ecosystem.

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Key Syllabus Outcomes

Stage 6 - Earth and Environmental Science - Human Impacts

EES11/12-1 - Evaluates questions and hypotheses for scientific investigation
EES11/12-2- evaluates investigations in order to obtain primary and secondary data and information
EES11/12-3 - conducts investigations to collect valid and reliable primary and secondary data and information
EES11-11- describes human impact on the Yarramundi Lagoon /Nepean River area in relation to hydrological processes, geological processes and biological changes EES11-11

From:earth-and-environmental-science-stage-6-syllabus-2017

Key Content

How do introduced species affect the Australian environment and ecosystems?

Students:

outline the biotic and abiotic effects of introduced species
conduct an investigation into a local introduced species, including:
- reason for introducing the species
- biotic and abiotic effects of the species
- area affected by the species
- human impacts that favour the introduced species
- control or mitigation methods
analyse ways in which human activity can upset the balance of ecosystems and favour introduced species
describe ways in which introduced species contribute to the decline or extinction of native Australian specie

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