Module 4: Human impacts and Module 1: Cause and effect - AUSMAP microplastics

Inquiry questions:

The AUSMAP scientific investigation enables teachers to model guided inquiry to address each of the S6 Investigating Science Working Scientifically outcomes and inquiry question for Module 1: Cause and Effect - Observing. This creates a brilliant opportunity for a depth study!

The AUSMAP scientific investigation enables teachers to model guided inquiry to address each of the S6 Earth and Environmental Science Working Scientifically outcomes and inquiry question for Module 4: Human impacts. This creates a brilliant opportunity for a depth study!

Investigating Science

Outcomes 

• Develops and evaluates questions and hypotheses for scientific investigation INS11/12-1
• Conducts investigations to collect valid and reliable primary and secondary data and information INS11/12-3
• Selects and processes appropriate qualitative and quantitative data and information using a range of appropriate media INS11/12-4
• Identifies that the collection of primary and secondary data initiates scientific investigations INS11-8

Content

• Role of Observations
• Observations
• Observations as Evidence
• Observing, Collecting & Recording Data
• Conclusions Promote Further Observations

Cross Curriculum Priorities

• Sustainability

Earth & Enviro Science

Outcomes 

• Develops and evaluates questions and hypotheses for scientific investigation EES11/12-1
• Designs and evaluates investigations in order to obtain primary and secondary data and information EES11/12-2
• Conducts investigations to collect valid and reliable primary and secondary data and information EES11/12-3
• Describes human impact on the Earth in relation to hydrological processes, geological processes and biological changes EES11-11

Content

• Water Management

Cross Curriculum Priorities

• Sustainability

Activity 1 - Site Assessment

Students measure physical and biological parameters around the test site.

Activity 2 - Microplastic Survey & Data Analysis 

Students survey the strandline for microplastics before sorting and analysing data. 

Activity 3 - Macrolitter Survey

Students survey macrolitter in order to analyse the link between macroplastic and microplastic. 

Activity 4 - Data Reporting

Students collate and upload data to approproate online citizen science databases. This may be completed at school. 

This fieldwork program can be part of either Investigating Science or Earth and Environmental Science. There are detailed units of work which have been written for both subjects. The unit PDFs can be downloaded below. There are hyperlinks within each of the parts which will take you to a downloadable student workbook.

Your Task:

Work through Part 1 and Part 2 of the unit provided on the link below. Use the hyperlinks in the PDF to access information to assist in completing the tasks. The AUSMAP website may also be handy.

Stage 6 - Investigating Science Module 1 AUSMAP Unit

Stage 6 - Earth and Environmental Science Module 4 AUSMAP Unit

The Study Site

The short YouTube clip will give you a sneak peek into the scientific methodology and fieldwork tools you’ll be using on the day.

AUSMAP - Australian Microplastic Assessment Project video

Video length 1 minute and 2 seconds.

Your fieldwork will be conducted at Macquarie Park, Windsor. Upstream from Windsor, the Hawkesbury River and its tributaries flow through a large number of landscapes, each influencing its quality. These range from heavily vegetated natural areas, to heavily urbanised areas with numerous sewage treatment plants releasing treated effluent into the river.

An example of microplastic pollution in a creek flowing into the Hawkesbury just upstream from our fieldwork site can be seen in this Hawkesbury Gazette article.

Please print and bring on the day the Student Worksheet. 

Your Task:

• Follow the Reporting procedure on page 16 of the Fieldwork Guide to ensure AUSMAP can add your data to the national database.
• Complete Parts 4 – 7 of the Unit.