Suitability

Years  8 - 9  Science, SOSE

Interview

Andrew talks about sugar industry farmers using nutrient test strips to manage water quality. He links this to water quality in the Cattana Wetlands: catchments, sources of pollution, urban development. Soils, acid-sulfates, and effects on coastal and marine environments.

Fact sheet

“Water Quality and Acid Sulfate Soils” provides steps for Community Water Testing of samples for pH, nitrates and clarity. Reviews the interview about acid-sulfate soils, cane farming and environmental pollution.

Teacher guide

Preparation for Community Water Testing activity.

Activity

One page worksheet as discussion starter, with questions on saving water and reducing water pollution.

Suitability

Years  7 – 9  SOSE, Science Technology

Interview

Moni explains about the importance of human resilience and capacity to respond to changes in climate and the quality of our environment; biodiversity, Cairns as part of a global community. The benefits of wetlands for coastal management and water quality, as well as a sense of place in urban environments.

Fact sheet

“Cutting the cost of climate change” presents Moni’s ideas, and develops understanding of benefits of wetland preservation, how they function to limit erosion, and enhance biodiversity.

Unit Plan

“Cutting the cost of climate change: Why we need wetlands.” 9 lessons and marking criteria for key questions about human population, severe weather, built environments, and floodplains.

Teacher Guide

“Wetland Habitat Survey” provides background information when using the Writing with Symbols 2000 software symbols for students with disabilities.

Activity

“Wetland Habitat Survey” for students with disabilities, during a Cattana Wetlands field trip.

Suitability

Years  10 - 12  Interview and Years 2 - 4  Fact Sheet.

Interview

Years  10 - 12 Elaine critically analyses our use of the terms conservation, biodiversity, populations, species, habitats, communities, and how all species need consideration. She explains the role of legislation, restoration projects and the functional aspects of the Cattana Wetlands.

Teacher Guide

Years 10 - 12 Lesson plan and activity for using the video interview.

Fact sheet

Years  2 - 4 “Biodiversity and the Cattana Wetlands” has information on biodiversity, food webs, connections between plants and animals in a wetland. Web links for further research.

Lesson Plan

Years  2 - 4  Students use the Fact Sheet to create food webs linking producers and consumers.

Suitability

Year  5  Science, SOSE

Interview

George explains how his family used the wetlands area for food and ceremony. He describes bush tucker of the area, how this has been lost due to urban development, and how important restoration projects like Cattana Wetlands are so important.

Fact sheet

“Cattana Wetlands Indigenous Connection” provides extracts from the interview with George, about the Cattana Wetlands. It shows pictures of bush tucker: palms, hibiscus, quandong and native ginger.

Teacher Guide

“Cracking Nuts” is a science investigation about Macadamia nuts. Includes Lesson plan and Worksheets.

Risk

“Cracking Nuts” Risk Assessment.