Ecosystem Dynamics Depth Study

Sydney

Science

Summary

S6 - Science
This depth study uses fieldwork and data analysis to investigate how biotic, abiotic and human influences affect the abundance, distribution and carrying capacity of Eastern Water Dragon populations.

Things to know

Book this program

Stage
Stage 6
Learning areas
Science
Duration
1 hour workshop in our immersive habitat classrooms.
Cost
$25.50 per student for NSW Government Schools, or $30.50 per student for non-NSW Government Schools.
Inclusions
Includes workshop session, learning resource and Zoo entry.

Workshop overview

During this depth study, students will investigate the factors that influence the abundance and distribution of wild Eastern Water Dragons within Taronga Zoo’s grounds. Through a range of fieldwork techniques, students will collect first-hand data on biotic and abiotic factors, including a belt transect, quadrat sampling, invertebrate surveys, water quality testing, soil analysis and atmospheric measurements. Students will then analyse their data to evaluate how habitat characteristics and human modifications to the environment can influence ecosystem dynamics and the carrying capacity of local water dragon populations.

This authentic scientific investigation provides an opportunity to apply key ecological concepts

Learning outcomes

Stage:
Stage 6 – Year 11 Biology

Outcomes	Content
BI-11-03	analyses the relationships between organisms and their environment using the theory of evolution by natural selection
BI-11WS-01 Working Scientifically Questioning and predicting	develops and evaluates questions and hypotheses for scientific investigations
BI-11WS-02 Working Scientifically Planning scientific investigations	designs and evaluates scientific investigations
BI-11WS-03 Working Scientifically Conducting scientific investigations	conducts scientific investigations to collect data and information
BI-11WS-05 Working Scientifically Analysing data and information	analyses and evaluates primary and secondary data and information
BI-11WS-06 Working Scientifically Problem-solving	uses scientific processes to solve scientific problems
BI-11WS-07 Working Scientifically Communicating	communicates scientific arguments using evidence, scientific language and terminology for a specific audience

Taronga Education is dedicated to providing inclusive and accessible learning experiences for all students. Our aim is to support every student’s participation and engagement in our workshops, and we would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments for your students. Please contact our education team with any queries you might have.

What's involved

A 3.5 hour fieldwork experience including:

Fieldwork skills workshop

Presentation and interactive activities delivered by Taronga Education Officers on background information about Eastern Water Dragons and Taronga Zoo as a study site, abiotic and biotic factors, abundance and distribution, carrying capacity, biotic relationships and comparisons of population sampling techniques.

Hands-on experiences

Collection of first-hand ecological data using a range of fieldwork techniques including;
- Belt transect and quadrat sampling to assess species abundance and distribution.
- Invertebrate surveys to examine food availability and ecosystem interactions.
- Water quality testing, soil analysis and atmospheric measurements.

Real world investigations

Analysis of ecological sampling data, including its validity, reliability and accuracy, to evaluate ecosystem dynamics, carrying capacity and the impacts of human modification on the environment.

Students explore:

Factors that influence the abundance and distribution of species
The relationships between organisms and their environment
The impact of biotic and abiotic factors on ecosystem dynamics
How habitat characteristics affect carrying capacity
The effects of human activities on local ecosystems
Scientific fieldwork methods, data analysis and evidence-based ecological investigations.

Download the learning resource for this workshop.

Download resource