Module 1 Cause and Effect Microplastics Field Trip
Year 11 INS student outcomes
Students will learn to:
- INS 11/12-1 Develops and evaluates questions and hypotheses for scientific investigations
- INS 11/12-3 Conducts investigations to collect valid and reliable primary and secondary data and information
AUSMAP Microplastics Module 1 Program
The Australian Microplastic Assessment Project AUSMAP has partnered with the NSW Department of EEZEC’s to develop and extensive support programs and provide survey kits to NSW EEZECs and the CEC.
The AUSMAP scientific investigation enables teachers to model guided inquiry to address each of the S6 Working Scientifically outcomes and inquiry questions for Module 1: Cause and Effect - Observing. This creates a brilliant opportunity for a depth study or coastal field trip.
This extensive resource can be downloaded for free as a student guide for all six Working Scientifically sections to support a 30 hour program. It also has Microplastics Programming and a Depth Study Assessment.
Teachers may choose to download and refer to this detailed 30 hour program or simply involve your students in this citizen science project by booking this field trip.
Pre-field trip prep
For a stand-alone field trip, view the CEC Microplastic pre-field trip lecture and work scientifically to design a practical investigation.
The Microplastics Field trip will be based on the student’s pre-field trip planning and using the CEC AUSMAP kits. We will survey along the Narrabeen lagoon edge to obtain accurate and reliable data on the presence of microplastic particles. Students will follow the AUSMAP standardised methodology to carefully sift, sort, identify their primary data. A Microplastic Site Assessment will be undertaken as well as a Macro litter survey depending on the time available. All primary data will be recorded, compiled and included on
either the AUSMAP and / or ADMI database. Microplastics particles will also be sent for further University analysis.
This will be followed by a brief morning tea break at the CEC or under shelter where students can upload their data, clean the field equipment and enjoy lunch or interact with the CEC displays such as a flume tank, microEYE and catchment models.
Please refer to the Year 11 Earth and Environmental Science Field Trip sample program for optional sessions if you have time.
Students need to bring
- Clipboard, worksheet, pens and pencils
- Pre-field trip planning group sheets
- Lunch, morning tea, refillable water bottle
- Hat, sunscreen and raincoat (if necessary)
- Old sandshoes (that can get wet)
Availability calendar
View our calendar for availability of primary and high school field trips. Available dates are blank. Part = Partially booked - limited space might be available.
After you have chosen your preferred dates then complete this online form to request your excursion.