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Student activities
Activity 4 Ecosystems investigations
The investigation listed are good starting points for students to become familiar with
their local communities and how wetland ecosystems coexist with urban ecosystems.
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The following are some tasks that could be
What are the impacts of introduced species to the
wetlands (i.e. feral fish, foxes, ducks, weeds)?
undertaken as a research assignment, poster activity,
powerpoint, report or class presentation in groups or
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individually by students.
Investigate the impact of algal blooms on the
health of the lake system, and describe how
This activity uses Herdsman Lake located in the Perth
humans have contributed to this environmental
area to use as a research activity, however students
issue. Mention of our connection to gardens which
may wish to use a local wetland area.
are popular in England would be useful.
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Understand food chains of wetland ecosystems
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an issue as the soils become more exposed).
Look at the food pyramid at Herdsman Lake, and
discuss how the area of the lake influences its
Managing a Wetland
biodiversity.
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Investigate the seasonal variations of water levels
Find out who is responsible for managing the lake,
and describe the roles of the following parties:
at Herdsman Lake. Has climate change affected
Department of Water; Department of Environment
the lake; and if so, describe these impacts in terms
and Conservation; Local Government; local
of their social and environmental effects. (see
community groups and individuals.
Management Plan)
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Impacts of acid sulphate soils (soils produce lots of
acid – as water levels go down it becomes more of
by visiting a wetland area.
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How have the water levels been affected by
Conduct a short investigation into the lakes along
our coast which make up the ‘Chain of Diamonds’
urbanisation (e.g. stormwater drainage, urban
series of lakes.
development surrounding the lake). How
does urbanisation affect the Swamp harrier at
Herdsman Lake?
Food web at Herdsman Lake
Shoveller
Water boatmen
Heron
Fish
Scuds
Caterpillars
Tiger snake
Frogs
Harrier
Water weeds
Snails
Fish
Diving beetles
Swans
SUN
Bulrush
Coots
Egret
Ducks
Waterfleas
Swamphen
Worms
2693-0815
Dragonfly
nymphs
© watercorporation.com.au/teachers
Goby
Lawn
Flies
Swallows/martins
Cormorant
Pelican
Little Falcon