Stage 6 Ecosystems and Global Biodiversity – Estuarine Wetland, Careel Bay
Student outcomes
Outcomes students will work towards:
- GE-12-01 - analyse urban places, ecosystems, biodiversity and economic activity, for their characteristics, spatial patterns, interactions, and nature and extent of change over time
- GE-12-02 - analyse geographical processes and influences, at a range of scales, that form and transform places and environments
- GE-12-03 - assess geographical opportunities and challenges, and the role of varying perspectives and responses in their management
- GE-12-04 - evaluate responses and management strategies, at a range of scales, for sustainability
- GE-12-05 - synthesise and evaluate relevant geographical information from a variety of sources
- GE-12-07 - select and apply geographical inquiry skills and tools, including spatial technologies, fieldwork, and ethical practices, to investigate places and environments
- GE-12-09 - communicate and apply geographical understanding, using geographical knowledge, concepts, terms and tools, in appropriate forms
Sample program
Based on an afternoon low tide. However earlier or later start/finish times can be accommodated to utilise different tide times.
9:30
Welcome, morning tea with toilets nearby and Introductory talk on the formation, history and management of Careel Bay. Students have a walking tour through Mangroves, Saltmarsh and Careel Creek, noting vegetation types and evidence of fauna. Students complete a food web for the habitats visited.
10:30
Students conduct a range of abiotic measurements in three different habitats within the intertidal estuary and compare the results. Discuss how these measurements relate to nutrient cycles, sedimentation and threats to this ecosystem.
11:15
Students use aerial photographs and their own observations to construct two transects of the salt marsh, One showing the current condition and one from 10 years ago. The transects are compared and possible reasons for the changes in vegetation are considered.
12:00
Lunch where shade, water and toilets are accessible.
12:30
Walk to the Careel Bay Mud flats and hear about their importance to a vast array of wading and migratory birds and what they come to feed on. Students conduct two fauna surveys while in this area: a bird survey using ID sheets of birds common to the area; and a survey of the benthic invertebrates in the sand flats, using a yabby pump and a set of sieves. Students then identify the macro-invertebrates that they find. Data from both surveys is compiled into a database that can be accessed by Council ecologists, Department of Primary Industries and other school students to monitor these species in this threatened habitat. Students then complete the food web for Careel Bay mud and sand flats and discuss the future of Careel Bay and better ways to manage it.
14:00
Return equipment to educators, conclude a great field trip. Board bus at Etival Street and return to school.
Pre field trip resources will also be provided.
Bookings
Please note: The Careel Bay field trip is best organised to coincide with an afternoon low tide. Please check our calendar for availability.