Stage 6 Ecosystems and Global Biodiversity - Kelp Forests
Discover the vibrant kelp forest ecosystem of Chowder Bay, Sydney Harbour, through an immersive S6 Geography fieldwork experience. Students will explore biodiversity, ecosystem dynamics, and sustainability strategies firsthand with engaging activities, including snorkelling, to deepen their geographic skills and environmental understanding.
About this excursion
The “Ecosystems and Global Biodiversity” Stage 6 Geography fieldwork offers an in-depth case study of the kelp forest ecosystem at Chowder Bay, Sydney Harbour, part of the Great Southern Reef. This program covers the ecosystem’s spatial patterns, biodiversity, functioning, human impacts, and sustainable management strategies. A highlight for students is the opportunity to engage in fieldwork techniques, including snorkelling in the kelp forest, to observe its rich and diverse marine life directly. Hands-on activities at Clifton Gardens Reserve support geographic inquiry and deepen understanding of ecosystem dynamics and conservation. This fieldwork is ideal for Stage 6 Geography teachers seeking an immersive and interactive learning experience.
Key inquiry questions
- How does the kelp ecosystem function and how do ecosystem dynamics play a role in a resilient ecosystem?
- How have humans modified the ecosystem and what are some responses and strategies?
Student previsit and follow up activities
Please note. If snorkelling, this fieldwork requires students to have passed a swimming competency test before the fieldwork day. Students must be able to swim 200 metres in any stroke and tread water for 10 minutes without fins. A qualified instructor must administer this test. The minimum qualification to administer this test is 'Perform Basic Water Rescue'. Detailed teacher preparation information can be found here and will be provided upon booking.
Successful fieldwork visits have direct links to current classroom learning. Pre-visit activities before the excursion will help students better understand the excursion content and provide connectedness and relevance to classroom learning.
Have students visit the Student Support Website, which is provided on booking, and complete any pre-fieldwork activities to familiarise them with the study area.
During the full-day fieldwork excursion, students will complete the following activities:
- Snorkelling in Chowder Bay Reserve to observe kelp first hand. (optional)
- Map Annotation and Precis Map construction
- Stimulus resource investigation of Spatial Patterns
- Observation and recording of the unique features of Kelp, including what Kelp needs to grow.
- Food web construction
- Data collection of Biotic and Abiotic features
- Observations and assessment of human impacts and management Strategies
Please note that activities may vary depending on the number of classes attended.
Important information
- Government Schools - $20/student
- Non-Government Schools - $30/student
- Snorkelling - minimum cost $350 + GST. Groups of 10 or more are charged an additional $35 plus GST per student, regardless of school type.
- Please ring the Centre for more information.
Clifton Gardens Reserve, Chowder Bay Mosman.
- If arriving by private bus or car, street parking is available in Morella Rd Clifton Gardens. A walking path leads from Morella Rd down to Clifton Gardens Reserve. There is metered parking in the Clifton Gardens Reserve but please note, the road is too steep and winding for a bus.
Key syllabus outcomes
- GE-12-01 - analyses rural and urban places, ecosystems, global biodiversity and economic activity, for their characteristics, spatial patterns, interactions, and nature and extent of change over time
- GE-12-02 - analyses geographical processes and influences, at a range of scales, that form and transform places and environments
- GE-12-03 - assesses geographical opportunities and challenges, and the role of varying perspectives and responses in their management
- GE-12-04 - evaluates responses and management strategies, at a range of scales, for sustainability
- GE-12-05 -s ynthesises and evaluates relevant geographical information from a variety of sources
- GE-12-07 - selects and applies geographical inquiry skills and tools, including spatial technologies, fieldwork, and ethical practices, to investigate places and environments
- GE-12-09 -communicates and applies geographical understanding, using geographical knowledge, concepts, terms and tools, in appropriate forms
Skills outcomes
Learning activities include:
- Acquiring, processing, applying and communicating geographic information.
- applies geographical inquiry skills and tools, including spatial technologies, fieldwork, and ethical practices, to investigate places and environments GE-12-07
- communicates and applies geographical understanding, using geographical knowledge, concepts, terms and tools, in appropriate forms GE-12-09
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