Year 12 Integrated Science

Excursion to Canning River Eco Centre

As part of the Integrated Science program, students are required to explore and compare two local ecosystems as part of their Environmental Biology course. Mr D’Souza’s Year 12 Integrated Science classes embarked on a half day excursion to the Canning River Eco Centre located of Kent Street in Cannington (CREEC). Special mention goes to Miss Gardner for her assistance on the day and her wealth of experience and Miss Spinks as our bus driver to and from CREEC.

CREEC offers two unique ecosystems in very close proximity to each other. The Kent Street weir is a wall that divides the river. One part of the river is a salt water system that is highly affected by the tides while the other side of the river is a pure freshwater system affected by water sources from the Perth hills.

During the day students investigated how abiotic factors (non-living factors) can greatly influence biotic factors (living factors) in an ecosystem.

Students used specialised measuring equipment to measure the abiotic factors including ph levels, temperature, conductivity, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen, along with the river's nitrogen and phosphorous levels. Students then got to take samples of the macro invertebrates in the area. These macro invertebrates give a health score for the river which is directly correlated with the abiotic factors. Using all this information students then compared the two local water systems. All students worked exceptionally well and enjoyed the overall experience to apply classroom knowledge in the field.

Mr A D'Souza (Integrated Science Teacher)