Ecosystems excursion | Stage 4 Science
Program overview
Ecosystems is a Stage 4 Science excursion where students investigate the interactions between biotic and abiotic factors in a Sydney sandstone forest ecosystem. Working as ecologists, students use a powerful owl conservation case study to examine habitat quality, biodiversity and food-web relationships at Field of Mars Reserve.
Students collect and record primary data through habitat sampling, animal-evidence surveys and powerful owl pellet analysis. They use field observations to construct a food web, evaluate whether the reserve can support powerful owls and communicate evidence-based conclusions about ecosystem health and conservation.
Fieldwork inquiry
- How do biotic and abiotic factors influence habitat quality in Field of Mars Reserve?
- Can the food web in Field of Mars Reserve support a powerful owl population?
- What field evidence can be used to evaluate the conservation value of urban bushland?
Jump to: Program and curriculum | Essential information | Prepare for fieldwork| Location | Extend learning | Related programs
Program and curriculum information
Fieldwork activities
Activities may change to suit student needs, timing and weather conditions.
Powerful owl conservation case study
Students investigate the habitat requirements and ecological role of the powerful owl. They use the conservation case study and inquiry questions to guide their fieldwork and evaluation of the Field of Mars Reserve ecosystem.
Biotic and abiotic habitat assessment
Students use scientific instruments and sampling methods to measure selected biotic and abiotic factors, classify tree hollows and sample tree circumference. They organise group and class results in tables, calculate class means, ranges and the proportion of sampled trees capable of producing large hollows, and compare their findings with provided secondary-source information to evaluate the reserve’s suitability as roosting and nesting habitat for powerful owls.
Powerful owl diet investigation
Students analyse powerful owl pellet samples to identify evidence of prey species. They use their observations to make inferences about powerful owl diet and predator–prey relationships.
Animal survey and food web construction
Students survey the reserve for evidence of animal presence and combine this evidence with their powerful owl pellet observations. They construct a local food web and evaluate whether the ecosystem can support powerful owls. Students then use information about black rats, poisoned rats and European red foxes to explain how introduced species may directly or indirectly affect powerful owl populations.
Worksheet and supporting resources
Student worksheet
Access the Ecosystems student worksheet and supporting files..
Schools are responsible for printing one worksheet for each student before the excursion.
Teacher and student resources
Access the visiting teacher programming folder.
Read the Powerful owl fact sheet.
View the Fieldwork techniques learning resource.
Download the Eucalypt forest - Digital Book for iPads and Macs
Suggested timetable
Time |
Classes A, B, C and D |
Classes E, F, G and H |
| 9.30 - 10.00 | Introduction, fieldwork preparation, food break and toilets | |
| 10.00 - 11.30 | Habitat assessment | Food web survey |
| 11.30 - 12.00 | Food break and toilets | |
| 12.00 - 1.30 | Food web survey | Habitat assessment |
| 1.30 - 2.00 | Food break and toilets | |
| 2.00 - 2.15 | Conclusion and depart | |
The timetable may change according to class numbers, student learning needs and weather.
Syllabus outcomes and content
Students will learn to
- identify the biotic and abiotic components that make up an ecosystem
- use scientific instruments and sampling methods to collect field observations and measurements
- organise field data in tables and calculate means, ranges and proportions
- analyse animal evidence and powerful owl pellets to identify predator–prey relationships
- construct a food web using local observations and field evidence
- use secondary-source information to evaluate habitat suitability
- explain how introduced species may affect powerful owl populations
- draw evidence-based conclusions about powerful owl conservation
Science 7–10 Syllabus (2023)
Focus area
Living systems
Outcome
- SC4-LIV-01 – describes the role, structure and function of a range of living systems and their components
Working Scientifically outcomes
- SC4-WS-01 – uses scientific tools and instruments for observations
- SC4-WS-05 – uses a variety of ways to process and represent data
- SC4-WS-06 – uses data to identify trends, patterns and relationships, and draw conclusions
- SC4-WS-08 – communicates scientific concepts and ideas using a range of communication forms
Content
Ecosystems
Students:
- Identify the components that make up an ecosystem
- Investigate the interactions of biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem
- Create a food web based on local area observations
Processing data and information
Students:
- Calculate the mean and range of a dataset
NSW Curriculum Science 7–10 Syllabus (2023) © NSW Education Standards Authority for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2023
Vocabulary
Essential information
Cost, class numbers and booking
Cost
DoE $27 per student – GST free
Non-government school $37 per student – GST free, minimum charge $750 per class
Classes
Maximum 8 classes, with up to 30 students per class.
Program costs
Program costs may change. If program costs change after you book, you will be charged at the original cost.
Booking policy
Confirm final student numbers and classes 7 working school days before the program.
Risk assessment and accessibility
Field of Mars Reserve risk assessment and location information – main location
The program includes bushwalking on uneven natural tracks. Some program areas at Field of Mars Reserve may be wheelchair accessible.
Students who are unwell should not attend.
Classroom teachers are expected to attend and actively supervise students throughout the excursion.
Notify Field of Mars EEC before the visit about medical, mobility, sensory, communication or other support needs so reasonable adjustments can be considered.
What to bring and prepare
School preparation
- Print one worksheet for each student
- Organise students into suitable working groups
- Ensure students bring writing materials and a clipboard
- Review relevant fieldwork techniques or supporting resources
- Advise Field of Mars EEC of learning, medical or access requirements
Students should bring
School sports uniform, backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunscreen, raincoat, hat, sturdy closed shoes, pencils, clipboard and a reusable name tag.
Weather, cancellations and rescheduling
The program may be modified, postponed or cancelled because of predicted extreme temperatures, bush fire danger, heavy rainfall, high winds or dust storms.
Cancellation or rescheduling with less than 30 school days’ notice before the booking date – $650
Cancellation with less than 14 school days’ notice before the booking date – full program cost
Cancellation due to unsafe weather or fire danger – $0
Prepare for secondary fieldwork
Preparing for your excursion
Find information about clothing, equipment, transport, arrival procedures, safety and preparing students for outdoor fieldwork.
Fieldwork techniques
Help students prepare to use scientific equipment, sampling methods, observations and field data-recording techniques.
Location
Field of Mars Reserve
Main location
Find risk assessment information, bus access details, meeting points, walking routes and advice for conducting fieldwork at Field of Mars Reserve.
Extend student learning
Use these student-friendly fact sheets before or after your Ecosystems excursion to support learning about food webs, habitat quality, biotic and abiotic factors and powerful owl conservation.
- Powerful owl fact sheet – Learn about the forest predator students use as a case study for ecosystem health and food webs.
- Common ringtail possum fact sheet – Explore a tree-dwelling mammal that forms part of powerful owl food webs.
- Common brushtail possum fact sheet – Learn about a nocturnal mammal that uses hollows, branches and urban bushland habitats.
- Grey-headed flying-fox fact sheet – Discover a flying mammal that feeds on flowers and fruit and supports forest ecosystems.
- Eucalypt forest ecosystem fact sheet – Explore forest layers, habitats, food webs and living and non-living features.
- Tree habitats fact sheet – Learn how trees provide hollows, roosts, nesting places, flowers and prey habitat.
Learn with us
Book this excursion
Book this Stage 4 Science excursion using the online booking form.
Supporting resources
Access worksheets, assessment materials, fieldwork techniques, digital resources and classroom learning that support secondary science excursions.
Related Stage 4 Science programs
Classification and adaptations excursion
Classify local plants and animals, use dichotomous keys and investigate structural and behavioural adaptations through fieldwork.
Forces incursion
Investigate forces, simple machines and Aboriginal technologies through practical experiments and design activities.