Using the ecologically unique Solitary Islands as a backdrop, the National Marine Science Centre offers 12 innovative field and laboratory based activities in the area of marine science for Primary and Secondary students. Working alongside enthusiastic scientists, students develop their scientific skills through hands-on interactive curriculum-based activities in the areas of Biology, Earth and Environmental Science, Chemistry, Marine studies, and Marine and Aquaculture technology. The NMSC’s Sea Education Activities (SEA) school’s program is developed by our education staff to assist teachers in meeting the New South Wales Board of Studies Key Learning Area outcomes. See individual activity descriptions for specific learning outcomes.
To find out more details and how to book a visit to the NMSC see the following Schools Brochures
Secondary Schools Brochure [PDF]
Field Study: Rocky Shores Ecosystems
Within this activity students explore the ecology of coastal rocky shore ecosystems and gain an appreciation for the diversity of life on rocky shores. They examine the varying characteristics and adaptations that these life forms posses. Students will identify organisms which inhabit rocky shorelines and categorise them into a number of general ecosystems zones. Students will look at the whole ecosystem level and identify both positive and negative links between the study sites and adjacent ecosystems.
Download Rocky Shore Ecosystems Student Acitivity Workbook [PDF]
Field Study: Sandy Shores Ecosystems
Within this activity students explore the ecology of coastal sandy shore ecosystems and gain an appreciation for the diversity of life they contain. Students examine the varying characteristics and adaptations that organisms inhabiting coastal sandy ecosystems posses. Students will identify organisms which inhabit sandy shorelines and examine a number of physical environmental factors which influence their distribution and abundance. Students will look at the whole ecosystem level and identify both positive and negative links between the study sites and adjacent ecosystems.
Download Sandy Shores Ecosystems Student Activity Workbook [PDF]
Field Study: Sea Birds of our Coast
Within this activity students examine the ecology of coastal sea and shore birds within their natural habitats and gain an appreciation for the diverse range of species present. Students examine the varying characteristics and adaptations that sea and shore birds possess that enable them to live successfully around water. Students will observe, identify and record a variety of local bird species. Students will look at the whole ecosystem level and identify both positive and negative links between the study sites and adjacent ecosystems.
Download Sea Bird of our Coast Student Activity Workbook [PDF]
Field Study: Investigation of Human Impact on a River Ecosystem
Clean fresh water is one of our most valuable resources. It is essential for sustaining aquatic environments and human health. The effect of human activities on the waterways is of paramount importance. In this activity, students will evaluate the health of a river by monitoring various water quality parameters at a number of locations along a river catchment. Students will then be able to analysis and discuss the results to ascertain the health of the river
Download Human Impact on River Ecosystem Student Activity Workbook [PDF]
Lab Study: Marine Taxonomy
In this activity students work collaboratively to observe and classify a range of marine organisms and develop simple classification keys by recording physical characteristics of a variety of marine species through illustrated diagrams and live specimens. Students learn to make links between organism structure and function and lifestyle characteristics.
Download Marine Taxonomy Student Activity Workbook [PDF]
Download Marine Taxonomy Activity Outline [PDF]
Download Excursion Risk Management Plan Taxonomy Activity [PDF]
Lab Study: Embryonic Development of a Common Sea Urchin
Case study: Tripneustes gratilla
In this activity students examine the process of fertilisation and embryonic development within a common sea urchin Tripneustes gratilla.. Students compare and contrast physical characteristics of male and female reproductive cells of the sea urchin as well as examine the processes involved with their production. Students will differentiate between, and record a number of devevelopmental stages following fertilisation.
Download Embryology Student Activity Workbook [PDF]
Download Embryology Activity Outline [PDF]
Download Excursion Risk Management Plan Embryonic Development Activity [PDF]
Lab Study: Fish Biology
This activity introduces students to the morphology and physiology of fish. Students will gain an understanding of general fish characteristics and anatomy as well an insight into various fish groups (class) through theoretical and practical first hand investigation. The activity aims to make students aware of the complexity of marine organisms and their adaptations.
Download Fish Biology Student Activity Workbook [PDF]
DownloadFish Biology Activity Outline [PDF]
Download Excursion Risk Management Plan Fish Bio Morph & Physio Activity [PDF]
This activity introduces students to the fastest growing primary industry in the nation. Students will investigate the nature and scope of aquaculture and the requirements necessary for the successful culture of various organisms through theoretical and practical investigation.
Download Aquaculture Student Activity Workbook [PDF]
Download Aquaculture Activity Outline [PDF]
Download Excursion Risk Management Plan Aquaculture-System Requirements Activity [PDF]
Lab Study: Biological Research and Sampling Design
The scientific method seeks to explain the events of nature in a reproducible way, and to use these reproductions to make useful predictions. It is done through observation of natural phenomena, and/or through experimentation that tries to simulate natural events under controlled conditions. It provides an objective process to find solutions to problems in a number of scientific and technological fields. In this activity students examine the process of scientific methodology and sampling design through theoretical and practical examples.
Download Biological Design Student Activity Workbook [PDF]
Download Biological Design Activity Outline [PDF]
Download Excursion Risk Management Plan Research Biological Design Activity [PDF]
Lab Study: Subtropical Reef Analysis using CPCe software
In this activity students examine the benthic composition of two subtropical rocky reefs. Students gain an appreciation for the diversity of benthic life forms in these communities and observe the effect of depth on these reefs. Students will employ the same scientific methods and equipment used by underwater researchers, to compare their results gained from the computer analysis program and discuss the factors which help to shape the benthos at different depths.
Download Subtropical Reef Monitoring Student Activity Workbook [PDF]
Download Subtropical Reef Monitoring Activity Outline [PDF]
Download Excursion Risk Management Plan Subtropical reefmonitoring PC Activity [PDF]
Lab Study: Sustainable Recreational Fishing
People have enjoyed catching fish for thousands of years. It is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Australia today. There are hundreds of ways people can capture fish and if done properly fishing is an enjoyable and sustainable activity. Successful fishing combines understanding and knowledge of fish behaviour and fishing methods with an awareness of sustainable fishing practices. In this activity, students learn the various ways in which fish are captured and issues being addressed by the recreational fishery.
Download Sustainable Recreational Fishing Student Activity Workbook [PDF]
Download Sustainable Recreational Fishing Activity Outline [PDF]
Download Excursion Risk Management Plan Rec Fishing Requirements Activity [PDF]
Field Study: Mangrove Ecosystems
In this activity students explore the ecology of mangrove ecosystems and gain an appreciation for the diversity of life which they possess. Students will examine the varying characteristics and adaptations that these life forms possess. Students will look at the whole ecosystem level and identify both positive and negative links between the study sites and adjacent ecosystems.
Download Mangroves Students Student Activity Workbook [PDF]
Stephan Soule
Education Program Coordinator