Brewongle Environmental Education Centre

Explore, Experience, Discover

Telephone02 4579 1136

Emailbrewongle-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au

The Earth's environment - Blacktown marshy mystery

Stage 2 Geography, The Earths Environment, A Marshy Mystery program

 

As urban Sydney sprawls in all directions, natural bushland is being replaced by houses and roads. This geographical inquiry will focus on the connections between people and nature by looking at the endangered Green and Golden Bell Frog.

There has been a reported sighting of a rare and endangered species, the Green and Golden Bell Frog, in the wetland at Blacktown Showground. Students are presented with information regarding the sighting of the rare frog. They must use geographical skills and tools to conduct a thorough investigation into the three essential components for life – water, food and shelter. In doing so, students will develop deep knowledge and understanding about the interconnectedness of all aspects of the environment, and how people interact with it. 

 

Note - Each year there is funding available for schools in the City of Blacktown LGA to attend this excursion. Please enquire as to what is available!

swamp

Geographical inquiry questions

  • How does the enviroment support the lives of people and other living things?
  • How can people use places and environments more sustainably? 

Outcomes

  • Examines features and characteristics of places and environments GE2-1
  • Describes the ways people, places and environments interact GE2-2
  • Examines differing perceptions about the management of places and environments GE2-3
  • Acquires and communicates geographical information and uses geographical tools for inquiry GE2-4

 

Content

  • Significance of environments
  • Perception of environments
  • Protection of environments

 

Cross Curriculum Priorities

  • Sustainability

 

Literacy & Numeracy Learning Progressions

This program supports student learning in various elements of the Literacy and Numeracy Learning Progressions.

Activity 1 - Food

Students investigate food sources for the frogs and tadpoles. Students will dip net for bugs and collect phytoplankton samples in the wetland. Is there enough food for the Green and Golden Bell Frog? 

 

Activity 2 - Water

What is lurking in our ponds? Students will use scientific equipment to test the quality of the water. Is the water clean enough to support a population of Green and Golden Bell Frogs?

 

Activity 3 - Shelter (Habitat & Predators)

Students investigate the surrounding bushland and park to identify possible threats to the frog. Search for and identify feral invaders and conduct a healthy habitat assessment.

 

Activity 4 - People (Litter & Park Use)

Blacktown Showground is a public space. Do people influence the potential for Green and Golden Bell Frogs to inhabit the area?

Time Group 1 & 2 Group 3 & 4 Group 5 & 6 Group 7 & 8
9:30 Welcome to Blacktown Showground / Safety Briefing 
9:45

Water Quality Testing

(Picnic Areas)

Food

(Spread Around Wetland)

Shelter - Habitat & Predators

 

 People - Litter & Park Use
10:35 RECESS
10:50

Food

(Spread Around Wetland)

Shelter - Habitat & Predators

People - Litter & Park Use

Water Quality Testing

(Picnic Areas)
11:35

Shelter - Habitat & Predators

People - Litter & Park Use

Water Quality Testing

(Picnic Areas)

Food

(Spread Around Wetland)
12:20 People - Litter & Park Use

Water Quality Testing

(Picnic Areas)

Food

(Spread Around Wetland)

 Shelter - Habitat & Predators
1:05 Reflection of activities / Wrap up 
1:20

LUNCH

Brewongle staff pack up
2:00 SCHOOL DEPARTS

Pre and post-excursion lessons are available on our Excursion Webpage.

Student worksheet 

Location Blacktown Showground, Blacktown (entry via Richmond Road)
Bus  details

Buses are booked by the visiting school.

A map to the bus parking will be sent with the schools confirmation email. Please ensure you print the map and give to the bus driver the morning of the excursion.
Cost Refer to Brewongle's pricing page
Class numbers and size

Up to 8 classes per day or 240 students.

Maximum 30 students per class
Start and finish times

Arrival time is 9:30am

Departure time is 2pm

* discuss prior to your visit if you require alternate times
Risk Assessments Refer to Brewongle's risk management plans
Inclusive learning support

This program can be adapted for students with specific mobility requirements.

Please visit our inclusive education website for social stories and other excursion support materials.
Adverse weather

On days where the weather is unsuitable, a Brewongle staff member will contact the organising teacher to discuss alternative arrangments.

Please visit booking and cancellation policy to view our trigger points for cancellation.

bull rush
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Brewongle Environmental Education Centre

General enquiries

  • address 587 Chapel Hill Road
    Sackville North NSW 2756

    telephone 02 4579 1136

    email brewongle-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au

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  • address 730 Sackville Ferry Road
    Sackville North NSW 2756

    telephone 02 4579 1136

    email brewongle-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au

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    We sincerely acknowledge Aboriginal Elders past, present and emerging - the masters of sustainability. We thank the Elders and knowledge-holders who've shared with us, and those we work and connect with at Brewongle. We endeavour to continue to connect with Darug land and build her connection with our students.

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