Awabakal Environmental Education Centre
Year 11 Geography: Biophysical Interactions
KLA
Outcomes
Content
P2, P3, P9, P12
Geography
Investigating and communicating geographically
Nature and functioning of the four components of the biophysical environment
Location
The interactions between, and the human impacts on, the functioning of the atmosphere,
hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere
Awabakal Nature Reserve, Dudley
Site
Description
Awabakal Nature Reserve is an area of bushland on the coast between Dudley and Redhead, 15 km
south of Newcastle. It contains a wide range of habitats including coastal heath, perched lagoons,
creek catchments, dry and wet sclerophyll forest and remnants of rainforest. The Reserve provides an
excellent opportunity to compare ecosystems and assess human impacts. This coastal area was
historically used by the Awabakal Aboriginal people on a seasonal basis.
Program
Description
Students walk through Awabakal Nature Reserve investigating the issues surrounding the
management of the Reserve, including the increasing pressure of urban development and the balance
of protection with recreational use. Students investigate the lithosphere, atmosphere, biosphere and
hydrosphere at four different sites within Awabakal Nature Reserve through field testing and
observations. Students survey and assess natural processes and human impacts in the reserve and
devise possible management solutions.
Activities:
o Introduction to the site (at AEEC)
o Collection of field data on the lithosphere, atmosphere, biosphere and hydrosphere at 4 sites
o Construction of a flow chart to show an example of the interaction between the components
of the biophysical environment at each site.
o Construction of a profile along a transect to describe the distribution and variety of plants in
an area.
o Observation of human impacts on the reserve and discussion of their impact on the
functioning of the four spheres.
Excursion
information
This excursion starts at Awabakal Environmental Education Centre at 10.00am. Students walk through
Awabakal Nature Reserve and are collected at the turning circle at the end of Ocean Street at 2.00pm.
What to bring: Clipboard and pencils, recess and lunch, refillable water bottle, hat, sunscreen,
comfortable, covered walking shoes plus any special requirements of the group. (Wet weather gear
when necessary). Non-aerosol insect repellent is advisable.
Toilet facilities are available at the start of the day, morning tea and at the conclusion of the
excursion.
AEEC is a school and staff are trained teachers specialising in Environmental Education. Awabakal EEC
teachers rely on the participation of visiting teachers to meet recommended supervision levels.
Visiting teachers are ultimately responsible for behaviour of students, students with existing medical
conditions or special needs.
Contact
Information
Website: http://www.awabakal-e.schools.nsw.edu.au
Phone:4944 8233, alternatively contact The Wetlands Environmental Education Centre 4955 8673
Email: [email protected]
Year 11 Geography: Biophysical Interactions