Ecosystem explorers
Ecosystem Explorers is a biodiversity and adaptation study focusing on the box gum grassy woodland ecosystem and the secret life of squirrel gliders.
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About this program
'BIG IDEAS':
- An ecosystem consists of living organisms (plants, animals, and microorganisms) interacting with their physical environment (air, water, soil).
- The balance and interactions within ecosystems are vital for sustaining life.
- Adaptations are characteristics or traits that have evolved in organisms over time to enhance their survival and reproduction in specific environments.
- These can be structural (physical features), behavioural (actions) adaptations that help organisms cope with their surroundings, such as climate, food availability, and predation.
- We can observe the interactions of consumers, producers and decomposers within a habitat and represent feeding relationships using food chains/webs.
Focus: This study complements Desert Survivors from the Primary Connections series (Classic sequence). It also links well with Sustain the Chain in the new sequence from Primary Connections.
This program reflects the new English, Mathematics, HSIE Science, Creative Arts and PDHPE Syllabus outcomes.
Important information
Students will:
- observe and explore the box-gum grassy woodland at REEC and complete a biodiversity bingo challenge, collect specific plant samples
- learn about the importance of biodiversity in an ecosystem
- use pole cameras to check nesting boxes or hollows for threatened and endangered species
- explore adaptations that help living things survive in their environment
- use the microscopes to observe and identify plant adaptations
- play a food web tag game to explore feeding relationships, challenges and adaptations in nature
$5 per student
This is a 4 hour program from time of arrival at REEC.
ST3-SCI-01 uses evidence to explain how scientific knowledge can be used to develop sustainable practices
ST3-PQU-01 poses questions to identify variables and conducts fair tests to gather data
ST3-DAT-01 interprets data to support explanations and arguments
- Observe behavioural and structural adaptations of plants and animals, and suggest how these may help them survive in their environments
- Interpret a food web that describes the flow of matter and energy between plants and animals in an ecosystem
- Identify and describe how the loss or introduction of plants or animals affects an Australian ecosystem
ST3-CWT-01 creates written texts to communicate understanding of scientific and technological concepts and processes
- use notetaking, journaling, annotations and labelled images
Ready to visit?
How to book
- Fill out our online booking form
- Email us at riverina-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au
- Call us on 02 6932 9134
Contact us
Get in touch to ask a question, plan a visit or find out more about what we offer.
About our centre
Learn how our centre helps students explore, learn and connect with nature.