Biomes & Ecosystems

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This field study day program allows students to explore the interconnections between biomes, ecosystems, and human activities, developing skills in geographical inquiry, data analysis, and environmental management. Both options encourage students to apply scientific methods and critical thinking to real-world environmental challenges, promoting sustainable solutions.

Option 1: Springbrook National Park Exploration
Students will walk through Springbrook National Park to investigate biomes and how geological, biological, and environmental processes interact. They will learn how human activities, such as deforestation and land use changes, affect biodiversity and ecosystem productivity. Students will also examine human alterations to biomes, such as agriculture, and discuss challenges like soil erosion and water scarcity, along with strategies to restore and conserve places of high ecological value.

Option 2: Nerang River Catchment Study
Students will explore the Nerang River Catchment, collecting and analysing data on the health of the waterway. They will examine how human activities like agriculture, recreation, land use changes and pollution impact the river system and assess management strategies for improving water quality and restoring catchment corridors and ecosystems. Students will also develop solutions for sustainable environmental management, considering the social, economic, and ecological implications of their findings.

Key Concepts:

Human impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem productivity - Activities such as land use changes reduce biodiversity and disrupt ecosystem functions.
Environmental data collection and analysis - Gather and analyse data to assess environmental health and inform decisions.
Sustainable environmental management and restoration strategies - Explore methods to restore ecosystems and address issues like erosion and pollution.

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Year 9 Curriculum Links

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Geography

Knowledge and Understanding

The distribution and characteristics of biomes as regions with distinctive climates, soils, vegetation and productivity. (AC9HG9K01)

Elaboration: Explaining the effects of interconnections between environmental processes (atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere) and human activities such as deforestation on the characteristics of biomes.

The effects on environments of human alteration of biomes to produce food, industrial materials and fibres. (AC9HG9K02)

Elaborations: Explaining the differences between natural and agricultural ecosystems in flows of nutrients and water, and in biodiversity.

Explaining how human alteration of biomes (for example, drip irrigation, fertilisers and pesticides) has increased agricultural productivity in Australia.

Challenges to sustainable food production and food security in Australia and appropriate management strategies. (AC9HG9K04)

Elaborations: Examining environmental impacts of changes in food production causing a decline in the capacity of the land to provide agricultural products; for example, land and water degradation such as soil erosion and salinity, short of fresh water, competing land uses, climate change and pollution contribute to a decrease in food production.

Examining economic and social impacts of changes to food production; for example, competing land uses such as urban and industrial uses, and recreation activities.

Examining the impacts of modifications to biomes on the productivity and availability of staple resources for First Nations Australians; for example, reduced access to bush foods.

Explaining management strategies that restore the quality or diversity of agriculture in Australia; for example, improving the function of natural biomes and anthropogenic biomes, monitoring land management practices, improving the condition of soil or building the capacity of farmers.

Questioning and Researching using Geographical Methods

Develop a range of questions for a geographical inquiry related to a phenomenon or challenge. (AC9HG9S01)

Elaboration: Developing a range of questions to investigate why geographical phenomenon has changed or why a challenge may arise; for example, 'How are people, places and environmental connected?'

Collect, represent and compare data and information from primary research methods, including fieldwork and secondary research materials, using geospatial technologies and digital tools as appropriate. (AC9HG9S02)

Interpreting and Analysing Geographical Data and Information

Evaluate geographical data and information to make generalisations and predictions, explain patterns and trends and infer relationships. (AC9HG9S03)

Concluding and Decision Making

Evaluate data and information to justify conclusions. (AC9HG9S04)

Develop and evaluate strategies using environmental, economic or social criteria; recommend a strategy and explain the predicted impacts. (AC9HG9S05)

Communicating

Create descriptions, explanations and responses, using geographical knowledge and geographical tools as appropriate, and concepts and terms that incorporate and acknowledge research findings. (AC9HG9S06)

Science

Design & Technology

Cross Curriculumm Priorities & General Capabilities

Cross Curriculum Priorities

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures

First Nations communities of Australia maintain a deep connection to, and responsibility for, Country/Place and have holistic values and belief systems that are connected to the land, sea, sky and waterways. (A_TSICP1)

First Nations Australians' ways of life reflect unique ways of being, knowing, thinking and doing. (A_TSIC2)

The First Peoples of Australia belong to the world's oldest continuous cultures. First Nations Australians demonstrate resilience in the maintenance, practice and revitalisation of culture and continue to celebrate and share the past, present and future manifestations of their cultures. (A_TSIC3)

Sustainability

All life forms, including human life, are connected through Earth's systems (geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere) on which they depend for their wellbeing and survival. (SS1)

Sustainable patterns of living require the responsible use of resources, maintenance of clean air, water and soils, and preservation or restoration of healthy environments. (SS2)

Social, economic and political systems influence the sustainability of Earth's systems. (SS3)

Views that recognise the interdependence of Earth's systems, and value diversity, equity and social justice, are essential for achieving sustainability. (SW1)

Sustainably designed products, environments and services aim to minimise the impact on or restore the quality and diversity of environmental, social and economic systems. (SD1)

General Capabilities

Critical and Creative Thinking – Inquiring, Generating, Analysing, Reflecting.

Personal and Social Capabilities – Self-awareness, Self-management, Social awareness, Social management.

Intercultural Understanding – Reflect on the relationship between cultures and identities; Examine cultural perspectives and worldviews and explore the influence of cultures on interactions.

Ethical Understanding – Explore ethical concepts; Examine values, rights and responsibilities and ethical norms; Recognise influences on ethical behaviour and perspectives.

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