2016 Year Book

2013
YEAR 11 SCIENCE
Our local environment affects not only us but also
all the living things that are found there. Each local
environment possesses unique physical, chemical
geological and biological features. These features
interact and are often connected by the operation of
natural cycles. The interactions between organisms
and their environments are often complex and not
immediately obvious. The study of ecology enables
us to understand these interactions. Studying a local
ecosystem can give us an insight into how other
ecosystems function.
Penrith Lakes was the local ecosystem chosen as a
field study for the Year 11 Biology and Senior Science
students. The students measured and analysed the
biotic and abiotic factors operating at Penrith Lakes
to assess the health of the ecosystem.
Abiotic factors tested were temperature, pH, turbidity,
slope, light and phosphate. These were carried out
using the appropriate instrumentation.
Biotic factors measured were the abundance
and distribution of birds, macro invertebrates and
vegetation. These were carried out by observing and
counting the number and species of birds present,
dipnetting and transect/quadrat methodology
respectively.
Students made the following comments:
“It was a great experience, the hands-on learning
allowed a more effective understanding of
ecosystems”
“Enjoyable learning practical lesson.”
“The dipnetting was fun, bird watching was fun and
the instructors were very knowledgeable. I learnt
a lot overall about the quality of water and healthy
ecosystems”
The Penrith Lakes Education Officers were impressed
with our students’ enthusiasm and engagement with
the field studies.
46