Year 11 Earth and Environmental Science excursion

On Monday 15th June, Year 11 Earth and Environmental Science students attended an excursion to Minnamurra Spit at the Illawarra Earth and Environmental Education Centre in Killalea Regional Park, Shell Cove. Students took part in hands on, outdoor learning and fieldwork. As part of their Depth Study Investigation, students conducted an ecological investigation into the impacts of three introduced weed species in the area (Bitou bush, Lantana and Asparagus Fern).

Students measured abiotic factors along a transect line between the sand dunes through the littoral rainforest and out towards the river. They also used quadrats to measure the abundance of introduced weed species vs. native littoral rainforest species, comparing a managed area to an unmanaged area to assess the effectiveness of management strategies (such as hand removal and herbicide spraying) on invasive weed spread in the park.

It was a glorious, sunny winter's day with views that were the envy of many back at school! Students worked hard to collect their scientific data and enjoyed the restful bus trip back to school. A very successful, scenic and scientific day enjoyed by all!

Mrs Armitage (Earth and Environmental Science Teacher)