Education: VCE Biology

unit 1- unity and diversity

AoS 1-Cells in action
Outcome 1: Design, conduct and report on a practical investigation related to cellular structure, organisation and processes.

hair sampling half day, $10 per student
To assist in the completion of AoS 1 Outcome 1, students will analyse hair samples from a variety of animals at Mt Rothwell. They will learn to distinguish the variation between cell structures and the reasons for their differences in relation to the surrounding environment. Activities will include, an introduction to analysing and identifying hair samples, as well as discussion surrounding the preferred method. Students will also; have an opportunity to formulate questions and construct hypotheses appropriate to the investigation, and to identify cell structures under a microscope at various light and electron microscope levels. This will allow students to process and record information systematically and analyse the findings. Students will then present information to the group and discuss the findings.

Workbook provided

AoS 2- Functioning organisms
Outcome 2- Describe the relationship between features and requirements of functioning organisms and how these are used to construct taxonomic systems

scull identification half day, $10 per student
To assist in the completion of AoS 2 Outcome 2, students will use a variety of skull structures to identify species by investigating features such as linking dentition patterns to diet and identifying the animals as heterotrophs as well the link to autotrophs.  Other investigations will identify the common requirement of living things. These will include, obtaining nutrients, obtaining energy, processing nutrients, distributing materials, removing wastes, exchanging gases, reproduction, and classifying organisms.

Workbook provided

unit 2: organisms and their environment

AOS 1- Adaptations of organisms
Outcome 1- Explain and analyse the relationship between environmental factors, and adaptations and distribution of living things
night walk duration - 4 hours, $15 per student
To assist in the completion of AoS 1 Outcome 1 students will join a nocturnal spotlight tour to look at various rare and endangered animals. They will discover how these animals are endemic to the basalt grasslands and why they are located at Mt Rothwell. In groups students will learn to analyse and identify the environmental factors, which may exist in the area by looking at maps of the property and making associations between natural resources. Students will then go out into the field for a sunset walk to look at structural adaptations of organisms, physiological adaptations, plant tropisms, behavioural adaptations, and reproductive adaptations. Students will learn the technique used to monitor environmental change and species distribution at Mt Rothwell.

Workbook provided

AoS 2 – Dynamic Ecosystems
Outcome 2 Design, conduct and report on a field investigation related to the interactions between living things and their environment, and explain how ecosystems change overtime.

Day walk duration – half day, $10 per student
To assist in the completion of AoS 2 Outcome 2, students will walk through Mt Rothwell’s remnant Old Grassy Woodland and conduct a field investigation to examine how living things such as amphibians, arthropods, mammals and birds as well as trees, shrubs, grasses, lichens and mosses interact with each other and their physical environment. They will undertake quadrat surveys, water quality tests and tree canopy surveys to identify the relationships between life forms and their non-living environment. Students will also explore the population dynamics in the area and discover how ecosystems have changed overtime due to human and natural disturbances.

Workbook provided

unit 4- Continuity and change

AoS 1- Heredity
Outcome 2 Analyse and evaluate evidence for evolutionary change and evolutionary relationships, and describe mechanisms for change including the effect of human intervention on evolutionary processes

Trapping duration 4 hours (evening), $30 per student
To assist in the completion of AoS 1 Outcome 2 students will participate in an Eastern Barred Bandicoot trapping night where important data will be collected in reference to the survival of this endangered species. They will learn about the importance of genetic diversity and discover the potential issues that surround it and other species. Students will further examine what classifies a subspecies and variations between animal populations.

The information session will cover topics such as; change in populations, natural selection, geological time, evidence of evolution, patterns of evolution, the development of evolutionary theory, evolutionary relationships, hominid evolution, inter-relationships between biological, cultural and technological evolution and human intervention.

During the trapping activity students will learn about evolutionary change by examining various species, including the Eastern Barred Bandicoot.

Teachers please note, peanut butter is sometimes used as a bait for trapping activities. Would you please alert Mt Rothwell staff if you will be bringing anyone who is allergic to peanut butter.

Workbook provided

Starting times, length of sessions and activities are flexible

Please note that proper bush walking clothing is necessary while on site at Mt Rothwell - sturdy shoes, sun smart clothing, long pants, all weather gear. BBQs are available for use - $1 per student. There is no charge for teachers or accompanying adults. Bookings are essential.