On Wednesday 4 March, 22 biology students travelled to Brewongle Environmental Education Centre, located on the Hawkesbury River, to complete an ecological study. While on the excursion, students were engaged in an authentic and rich firsthand investigation on the population dynamics between the Spotted-Tailed Quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) and Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes). The day’s activities gave students the opportunity to develop practical skills in ecosystem analysis.
The day was broken into three activities:
Activity 1 – Abiotic components of the ecosystem
Students used scientific equipment to assess various abiotic parameters of the local ecosystem.
Activity 2 – Vegetation transect and habitat assessment
Students used a site-specific vegetation ID book to identify plant species and graph them along a transect. Students then conducted a habitat assessment of the local ecosystem.
Activity 3 – Nest box camera survey (welcome area)
Students used a map and GPS to navigate to a selection of our species-specific nest boxes. They then used innovative remote cameras to view inside nest boxes and record use or evidence of use, with most groups finding a nesting ring-tailed possum.
Students then viewed camera trap footage to analyse and record wildlife activity.
The class agreed that it was an invaluable experience and well worth the travel. Students will now analyse the data collected and produce a report based on their findings.
Mrs Liz Casey, Science Teacher
