Stage 4 - Living Systems
Science
Program Overview
This unique and highly engaging program allows students to perform a first-hand investigation of a freshwater ecosystem using various scientific equipment and data collection methods to:
- identify a range of plants and animals that exist in Penrith Lakes and learn about some of their adaptations for survival;
- construct and interpret food chains and food webs using the organisms found;
- describe some of the interactions between freshwater aquatic organisms in food chains and food webs, including producers, consumers and decomposers.
Focus
Science Focus Area
Stage 4: Living Systems
Note: This excursion can also be used as a model for a DEPTH STUDY.
Water Testing - Abiotic Data Collection
Water bird Walk
Dipnetting - Freshwater Invertebrate Collection
Water Testing Equipment
Program Activities
Introduction to Penrith Lakes Scheme
Recess
Water Testing - Abiotic Data Collection
Dipnetting - Freshwater Invertebrate Collection
Water Bird Walk
Freshwater Aquatic Plants
Lunch
Wrap up/Conclusion
Key Syllabus Outcomes
Stage 4 - Living Systems
- SC4-LIV-01 describes the role, structure and function of a range of living systems and their components
Working Scientifically
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SC4 - WS - 02 Questioning and predicting identifies questions and makes predictions to guide scientific investigations
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SC4 - WS - 05 Processes data and information using a variety of ways to process and represent data.
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SC4 - WS - 08 communicates scientific concepts and ideas using a range of communication forms
(Post excursion visit activity)
Key Content
We are identifying the components that make an ecosystem
- Investigating the interactions of biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem
- Identifying how matter and energy are cycled through an ecosystem
- Creating a food web and ecological energy pyramid based on the local area observations to describe how matter and energy move through an ecosystem.