Human impacts and introduced species excursion | Year 11 - Stage 6 Earth and Environmental Science
Program overview
Human impacts and introduced species is a Year 11 Earth and Environmental Science excursion where students investigate introduced plants and animals and their effects on an urban bushland ecosystem. Students locate evidence of introduced species in Field of Mars Reserve and consider how human activities can support their establishment and spread.
Students use scientific instruments and sampling techniques to compare biotic and abiotic conditions across two contrasting sites. They collect, process and analyse primary data, use secondary sources to investigate introduced species case studies, and evaluate environmental impacts and current control or mitigation strategies. The fieldwork develops Working Scientifically skills and can provide evidence for a Depth Study or school-based assessment task.
Fieldwork inquiry
- How do introduced species affect the environments and ecosystems of Field of Mars Reserve?
- How have human activities supported the establishment and spread of introduced species?
- What field evidence can be used to evaluate introduced species impacts and management strategies?
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.
Introduced species case studies
Students locate and observe evidence of introduced plants and animals in Field of Mars Reserve, including lantana, small-leaf privet and the red fox. They use field observations and secondary sources to investigate why selected species were introduced, where they occur, their environmental impacts and how they are managed.
Introduced plant survey
Students identify introduced plants and record their location, abundance and distribution within selected fieldwork areas. They document evidence using structured field records and mobile devices and consider how disturbance, tracks, waterways and surrounding urban land uses may influence their spread.
Comparative ecosystem investigation
Students use consistent sampling methods and scientific instruments to compare two sites with different levels of introduced plant invasion. They collect data about fauna evidence, vegetation structure, foliage cover and plant species, together with soil moisture, soil properties and atmospheric conditions.
Data analysis and management evaluation
Students process and compare individual and class data to identify patterns and relationships between introduced plants and ecosystem conditions. They consider the validity and reliability of their investigation, analyse human activities that favour introduced species and evaluate current control or mitigation strategies.
Worksheet and supporting resources
Student worksheet
Secondary worksheets are password protected and available to teachers after booking. Contact Field of Mars EEC to request the password.
Download the Human impacts and introduced species student worksheet.
Schools are responsible for printing one worksheet for each student before the excursion.
Teacher and student resources
View the Human impacts and introduced species Google site.
View the teacher resources folder.
View the student resources folder.
View the Fieldwork techniques learning resource.
View the Fieldwork techniques YouTube playlist.
Suggested timetable
Time |
Activities |
| 9.45–10.15 | Introduction at the Field of Mars EEC building |
| 10.15–10.30 | Food break and toilets |
| 10.30–12.45 | Introduced species survey and comparative fieldwork at sites 1 and 2 |
| 12.45–1.15 | Food break and toilets |
| 1.15–2.00 | Data processing and secondary source analysis |
| 2.00–2.15 | Conclusions, pack up and depart |
The timetable may change according to class numbers, student learning needs and weather.
Syllabus outcomes and content
Students will learn to
- locate and identify evidence of introduced plants and animals
- use scientific instruments and sampling techniques to collect field data
- collect valid and reliable qualitative and quantitative primary data
- use secondary sources to investigate introduced-species case studies
- compare biotic and abiotic conditions across contrasting sites
- organise field observations using maps, tables and vegetation profiles
- process and analyse individual and class fieldwork results
- explain how human activities can favour introduced species
- evaluate the effects of introduced species on ecosystem components and relationships
- assess control and mitigation strategies using primary and secondary evidence
Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)
Implementation
Current for Year 11 in 2026 and 2027. The Earth and Environmental Science 11–12 Syllabus (2025) is implemented for Year 11 from 2028.
Module 4 Human Impacts
Outcomes
- EES11/12-3 – conducts investigations to collect valid and reliable primary and secondary data and information
- EES11/12-4 – selects and processes appropriate qualitative and quantitative data and information using a range of appropriate media
- EES11/12-5 – analyses and evaluates primary and secondary data and information
- EES11-11 – describes human impact on the Earth in relation to hydrological processes, geological processes and biological changes
Content
Effects of Introduced Species
Inquiry question: 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 (ACSES027)
Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017) © NSW Education Standards Authority for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2017
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 2 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 rugged bushwalking on uneven natural tracks. The full standard program is not 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
- Ensure students bring a charged mobile device for recording field data
- Inform Field of Mars EEC if student mobile devices are not permitted
- 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 shoes, pencils, clipboard, charged mobile device 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, risk management advice, bus access details and walking track information for Field of Mars Reserve.
Extend student learning
Use these student-friendly fact sheets before or after the Human impacts and introduced species excursion to support investigations of invasive species, habitat change, urban pressure, ecosystem impacts and environmental management.
- Red fox fact sheet – Learn about an introduced predator that affects native animals and food webs.
- Field of Mars Reserve fact sheet – Explore local human impacts, weeds, erosion, stormwater, rubbish and bushland management.
- Eucalypt forest ecosystem fact sheet – Learn how forest ecosystems can be affected by habitat loss, weeds, disturbance and changed fire patterns.
- Habitat fact sheet – Learn how habitat features support survival and how their loss can affect biodiversity.
- Plant fact sheets – Explore native plants that can be compared with introduced plants and disturbed vegetation.
- River and creek environment fact sheet – Learn how waterways can be affected by erosion, stormwater, pollution and catchment change.
Learn with us
Book this excursion
Book this Stage 6 Earth and Environmental 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 6 Earth and Environmental Science programs
Earth’s resources excursion
Investigate Hawkesbury Sandstone landscapes, geology, soils, vegetation and human impacts through Module 1 fieldwork.
Earth’s resources and human impacts combined excursion
Investigate geology, soils, vegetation, introduced species and human impacts through an integrated fieldwork program supporting Modules 1 and 4.