In Week 3, Term 4, Biology students of 11.3, 11.4, and 11.7 braved the wet weather to conduct their field studies into coastal ecosystems. Classes 11.1, 11.2, 11.5, and 11.6 undertook a similar trip in the first week of Term 4.
Their field study started with a survey of mangrove forests in Toorbul along the Pumicestone Passage. Here, students contrasted lichen species growing at different heights on the mangrove trees. Additionally, they catalogued the local bird population at a protected roosting site.
Later in the day, the students travelled further up the coastline to study sand dunes at Point Cartwright, Kawana, where they compared the various abiotic and biotic properties, such as foliage cover and soil pH at both disturbed and undisturbed sand dunes.
The day concluded by examining the variety of fauna residing in rock pools along the coastline, and the specific adaptations of these organisms.
Despite the rainy conditions, it was a productive day, and the students were able to collect all the data needed with smiles on their faces. They will conduct their analysis in class over the coming weeks.
Mr Anthony Lumsden
Senior Laboratory Technician
L to R Caitlin Huf (11B), Chloe Martin (11W), Grace Freeman (11H), Amishi Ahlawat (11L) and Science Teacher, Ms Brittany Nunan
Year 11 Biology students at Toorbul mangroves
