Education: VCE Environmental Science

unit 1-the environment

AoS 1-Ecological components and interaction
Outcome 1: Identify and describe the components and natural processes within the environment.

habitat assessments full day, $20 per student
To assist in the completion of AoS 1 Outcome 1, students will conduct a habitat survey to identify the impacts caused by such factors as different forms of erosion, drought and those caused by introduced plants and animals. They will examine soil types, conduct water tests, look at canopy densities, identify the characteristics of certain plant species and examine evidence of pest animals.

Students will also learn about the region‘s various habitat types and make links between historical land use and natural processes such as; climate, location, volcanic activity, and fault lines.

Workbook provided

unit 2- monitoring the environment

AoS 1 - Environmental indicator’s
Outcome 1: Explain the nature of environmental indicators for pollution and ecological health of ecosystems.
day walk full day, $20 per student

To assist in the completion of AoS 1 Outcome 1, students will go for a walk through various sites at Mt Rothwell. They will research and identify environmental indicators such as, grass density and length, diversity of flora and fauna species, soil types and erosion. Students will be introduced to a variety of Mt Rothwell’s land management methods, which are used to increase the flora and fauna diversity. They will look at how these indicators affect an area and its population of various species. They will proceed to a viewpoint to compare different plant communities on different soil types in the area to discuss the processes and how they can be used as environmental indicators. Students will also look at a variety of interactions between the landscape and the effects from the introduction of feral plants and animals in the area. After sunset students will go on a night walk to observe native nocturnal animals to distinguish their ecological niche. They will then look at pressures on various species and how these pressures effect populations. Students will identify various types of environmental indicators and the capacity to use organisms as indicators.

Workbook provided

unit 3- ecological issues: energy and biodiversity

AOS 2- Diversity in the biosphere
Outcome 2: Describe the characteristics of biodiversity, and evaluate strategies to reduce the effects of threatening processes on one selected endangered animal.
Trapping duration - 5 hours, $30 per student
To assist in the completion of AoS 2 Outcome 2 students will participate in an Eastern Barred Bandicoot trapping program. They will collect data and consider the threats, which have lead to the decline of the species. They will look at an endangered animal and identify what pressures the animal is facing in the wild. Students will then consider the importance of biodiversity in relation to the Eastern Barred Bandicoot.

Prior to the trapping activity, students will discuss in small groups the values of the types of biodiversity, which include genetic, species and ecosystem diversity. They will look at threats such as habitat modification, introduction of exotic species, fragmentation, loss of pollinators and overexploitation and collection. They will explore methods on protecting environments and managing populations such as wildlife corridors, breeding programs and remnant vegetation.

During the trapping session students will collect data in relation to the species caught on what implications the Eastern Barred Bandicoot population faces in the wild.

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

Outcome 3: Explain how scientific data is applied to the assessment of environmental risk in ensuring biodiversity
tracks, scats and other signs full day, $20 per student
To assist in the completion of AoS 3 Outcome 3students will undertake a field survey, which focuses on signs such as tracks, diggings and scats. They will use the data collected in this field survey to assess all forms of life that exist in the area. They will consider the importance of biodiversity and other environmental factors relating to the species identified. They will collect data such as quantities of scats and dispersal range in the area. They will map out dig sites, burrows and nests in the area to determine the density and quantity of particular species. They will then use the collected data to conclude their findings and determine the issues the animals may face outside of the feral-proof fence-lines. They will identify factors contributing to their extinction in the wild.

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.