Learning activities
Habitat assessment
- Is the Field of Mars Reserve suitable for roosting and nesting for the powerful owl?
Students will conduct a habitat survey within the Field of Mars Reserve by sampling a range of abiotic and biotic factors components. Students will use specialised fieldwork instruments including anemometers, thermometers, light meters, soil moisture probes, rangefinders and tape measures to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Using their data, they will evaluate if the reserve provides suitable habitat for powerful owls to roost and nest, and suggest ways to improve the sites to encourage powerful owl populations.
Animal survey
- Can the food web in the Field of Mars Reserve support powerful owls?
Within a field laboratory setting, students will analyse pellet samples to identify possible food sources for the powerful owl. Students will conduct an animal survey, using identification charts to observe and record a list of vertebrate and invertebrate animals present within the reserve. Students will use their findings to construct a food web of the ecosystem and conclude whether powerful owl populations can be supported through trophic interactions.
Human impacts investigation
- How do human activities influence the habitat of the powerful owl at the Field of Mars Reserve?
Students will play an outdoor game that emphasises the influence people have on animal populations and ecosystems. This will lead into a first-hand survey of the human influences that are present and impacting the Field of Mars Reserve. Students will use their observations to evaluate the suitability of the reserve as an urban refuge for powerful owls.
