BLACKWATTLE BAY CAMPUS
SCIENCE FACULTY
ASSESSMENT TASK COVERSHEET:
Earth and Environmental Science
Preliminary Course
TOPIC / MODULE:
A local environment (human impact on the environment)
WEIGHTING:
25%
DUE DATE:
Thursday the 25th August (Week 6)
TIME ALLOWED:
3 Weeks
OUTCOMES:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
Identify and describe the geological features of the local environment that determine
its natural landforms
Gather and process information from secondary sources to describe changing
vegetation cover, plant and animal diversity and abundance, and water flow and
quality in the local environment over the last fifty years.
Identify data, gather, process and analyse first-hand information and use available
evidence to assess current human impact on the local biotic and abiotic environment.
Identify one environmental issue that requires some government regulation or
management, such as environmental planning, air and water quality management, or
land use and rehabilitation.
Identify an appropriate local environmental document that aims to address one of the
issues above (eg environmental impact statement, catchment management plan)
P7, P10, P13, P16
Earth and Environmental Science Preliminary Course Assessment 3
TASK
The Blackwattle Bay area has changed significantly over the past 200 years. In the
1800’s the area was transformed by heavy industrialisation and urbanising of the area.
Today the area’s local environment is in the process of being rehabilitated. It is a
responsibility of today’s governments, businesses and citizens to make efforts to
minimise the harmful effects of human activities on their local environment .
Your Assignment will involve 3 parts.
Part A – Site assessment of the Blackwattle Bay area
Your site assessment will need to include;
(i)
The main geological features of the area (refer to maps and general
information about the Sydney Basin Region)
(ii)
Soil assessment of the area (include 3 soil tests that you have conducted in
class)
(iii)
The dominant type of plants and animals in the area. (You need to relate the
type of plants to the geology and soil of the area).
(iv)
A description of what the Blackwattle Bay area would have been like before
Urbanisation? (You need to use research material and make valid inferences
from the use of old paintings and photos. Research current ecosystems such
as that at Homebush Bay).
(v)
A description of the Blackwattle Bay area now. (use maps and photos)
Part B – Summarise and asses the changes the Blackwattle environment from its
natural state in the early 1800s to its present state today.
(i)
Use available evidence to assess human impacts such as industrial run off
and changes in water flow on the local biotic and abiotic environment.
(ii)
Gather, process and present information from secondary sources on one
local Australian species that has been declared endangered and use
available evidence to outline the reasons why the species have become
endangered and the measures taken to ensure their survival.
Part C - Evaluate the effectiveness of government regulations and management
in helping to restore the Blackwattle Bay area. Identify one environmental issue that
involves Blackwattle Bay that requires some government regulation or management,
such as environmental planning, air and water quality management, or land use and
rehabilitation. Identify an appropriate local environmental document that aims to
address the issue (eg, environmental impact study, catchment management plan).
Compare and contrast the environmental condition of the Blackwattle Bay area prior to
and after government rehabilitation efforts. Evaluate using appropriate resources the
effectiveness of government regulations and management in helping to restore the
Blackwattle Bay area.
All resource material must be correctly referenced (see wikispace)
1500 word limit
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Earth and Environmental Science Preliminary Course Assessment 3
Marking Criteria
B=Beginning, D=Developing, S=sound, H=High, O=Outstanding
Description
B
D
S
High
O
Mark
70
Site Description of the
Blackwattle Bay area
Summarise and asses the
changes to the Blackwattle
Bay Area from its natural
state in the early 1800’s to
its present state today
Evaluate the effectiveness
of government regulations
and management in helping
to restore the Blackwattle
Bay area
Students gather information
from secondary sources
a) accessing information from
a range of resources,
b) summarising and collating
information from a range of
resources
Students present
information by;
e)using a variety of pictorial
representations to show
relationships
The main geologically of the area has been Outlined.
Geological maps have been used. Geological history of the
area has been briefly outlined. Geological maps have been
included.
6
3 Experiments relating to soil assessment have been
written up in scientific formate with valid results and
conclusions. (2 marks per experiment)
6
Description of the Natural Blackwattle Bay area. At least
4dominant plants and 4 dominant animals of the area have
been identified and briefly described.
4
At least 2 human impacts that have affected the area are
identified and their impact on the environment assessed.
6
One local species that has been declared endangered has
been identified and the reasons why the species has
become endangered and the measures taken to ensure
their survival has been outlined
6
One environmental issue has been identified and outlined.
One appropriate environmental document has been
identified and its relevance briefly discussed.
4
The conditions of the Blackwattle Bay area before and
after government management have been effectively
compared and contrasted. The effectiveness of
government regulations and management in helping to
restore the area has been effectively evaluated
10
Information gathered from at least 8 different sources
4
Clear summary of relevant points
5
Uses appropriate terminology and reporting styles to
communicate information. Well written in own words neat
layout
Bibliography is referenced correctly
Relevant pictures and diagrams have been used
COMMENT
Earth and Environmental Science Preliminary Course Assessment 3
5
4
10