ATAR Biology in the Field at Nannup

Earlier this term the ATAR Biology students embarked on the Biology Camp at the Monte Senario Campus at Nannup. The camp allowed the students to carry out activities used by biologists in the field to monitor and assess ecosystems and the organisms that live within them.

Students made transects and quadrats in the bushland on the campus, and in the pine plantations across the road, to identify and compare the plants present on both sites. They also assessed the health of the lake water by testing the turbidity, pH, salinity and temperature, and by viewing the invertebrates present in the water.

However, the most fun was had catching marron over the two nights to determine the population in the lake. Students learnt to set traps and handle the marron so that they could be measured and have their health assessed. Some of the marron were over 30cm long with massive claws. This was a combined camp with Geography which meant that all the students had the chance to view and use equipment during a Department of Fire and Emergency Services presentation.

The camp was a wonderful opportunity for students to work in the field as biologists and monitor the health of our Nannup campus.