Science

Year 11 Biology – Unit 1

Beach. Sand. Night away. Summer. Friends. Bus Trip. Sound good. Well, the Field Trip to Queenscliff is one of the most anticipated excursions on the WPSC calendar and it was amazing. Two classes ventured down the highway between the 20th February and the 22nd February to participate in various activities run by the Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre located at Queenscliff.

The Rocky Shore is a severe and rugged habitat, lying as it does in what is known as the intertidal zone. Because of water movements associated with tides a habitat has been created which suits neither fully marine nor terrestrial organisms. Each student was involved in an investigation that compared Rocky Shore habitats by surveying and recording the distribution of different organisms across the intertidal rock platform.

Students also completed an observation of the variety of microhabitats in the Basalt Boulder Field, which is quite different to the Limestone Platform. Along with a Laboratory Study on the tube worm Galeolaria caespitosa and a hands on experience at the Discovery Centre’s touch and feel tank. This was certainly a highlight for many students, as there was a diverse range of interesting organisms to meet.

We also took a two hour trip out on the Port Phillip Bay to investigate which organisms reside on the sea floor, and to visit the male brown fur seals at Chinaman’s Hat. The pilot boat roaring past us was a little unsettling at the start of our trip, but we did survive its wake and likewise, the smell of the seals.

Overall, Vikki Waser and l were extremely proud of our classes and the way in which each student conducted themselves away from school. It was a fantastic opportunity for all involved to build upon WPSC’s core values, Respect, Responsibility and Resilience, and to strengthen relationships between students and also with their teacher. A huge thankyou also goes to every parent who supported this excursion.

Ms Jodie Norman

Photos below show: Students exploring the inter-tidal zone and keeping an eye out for crabs, star fish and other interesting crustaceans! And 

Back in the lab, examining a tubeworm colony.