Year 11 Biology Fieldtrip

Last Friday all Year 11 Biology students visited Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre and the Ku-ring-gai Chase and Garigal National Park. The visit was part of the students’ depth study into the Southern Brown Bandicoot, an endangered species. The goal of the students’ study was to determine the best site to place motion detection cameras so that bandicoots could be observed in a way that would not disturb their normal behaviours. If enough evidence of bandicoots in the area could be found, fox baiting could be used to help reduce predation on these animals, and possibly, help to save the species. In order to complete this task, students needed to measure biotic and abiotic factors at the two possible camera sites, and determine which would be most appropriate site.

Students engaged with the tasks with enthusiasm, and quickly measured pH, temperature and light levels. There was a little more hesitation in testing the soil type (which involved digging up soil, rolling it into a mud-ball and then squeezing it through their fingers). There were also some squeals (surely of delight!) when searching for invertebrates in the soil such as spiders and centipedes.

In addition to these tests, students were most interested in observing some of the Aboriginal rock carvings in the area, and discussing Songlines and Totem animals. It was excellent to see the students so engaged with this subject matter, especially when the difficult topic of possible extinction of totem animals came up. These carvings are thought to be 5000-7000 years old.

From the fieldtrip, students developed their understanding of conservation efforts, practised their practical skills and understood a little more about the First Australians who lived in the area. Students will continue to delve more deeply into the topic of bandicoots and conservation efforts for the rest of their Depth Study.

Mia Sharma
Science Teacher