LESSON PACKAGE Learning Journey to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

LEE PUAY JOO CHRISTINE

TG04

Q C S 5 0 2Innovations for Design and Pract ices for Primary Science

OVERVIEW

Concepts to be TaughtUpper Block - Interactions: Adaptations and Ecosystems

Learning Objectives1. To introduce the wide variety of life that can be found in the mangrove habitat.2. To study the way plants and animals in the mangrove swamp have adapted themselves in order to survive the harsh mangrove conditions

(constant changes in the water level, low light conditions, high salinity of water, and soft, muddy soil, which is often low in oxygen) of the mangrove habitat.

3. To study the importance of the mangrove habitat.4. To study how the various plants and animals in the mangrove habitat interact to form an ecosystem.5. Apply their knowledge of adaptations and how adaptations relate to habitats to design an organism that has specific adaptations to survive in the

mangrove habitat.

Skills and ProcessesCommunication, Creative-thinking, Observation.

Initiatives ICT, National Education and Environmental Conservation.

Necessary Logistical Information for the Trip:1. Pupils must have their consent forms signed (see Appendix A) and submitted before the trip. Ensure that parental consent is granted. 2. Pupils must wear PE T shirt and shorts for the learning journey.3. Pupils must be briefed on the following items to bring for the trip.

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Things to Bring:a. Binocularsb. Capc. Raincoatd. Small Towele. Snacksf. Water bottleg. Writing Materials

4. Three P6 classes will be going on the trip on the first day. The remaining three classes will be going on the next day. 5. Three buses have been chartered; each will be able to accommodate seating for one class of pupils and 2 adults.6. Each class of pupils must be accompanied by 2 adults: form teacher and co-form teacher.7. Wet Weather program:

a. Have all pupils gather in the indoor theatre (Appendix B -Photo 1) to watch a video by the National Parks Board. Based on the video, pupils will be able to identify the flora and fauna available at Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve.

b. Teacher to guide pupils on the activity sheet. c. Along the way, teacher to provide scaffold questions to reinforce the concepts of adaptation through the use of pictures from the video.

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Budget

ITEM COST PER UNIT TOTAL COST

6 classes (40 pupils and 2 teachers per class) $0.50 per child, $1.00 per adult $132.00

Chartered Busses $50 per bus (two-way trip) $300.00

Total - $432.00

PrecautionsBrief pupils on appropriate conduct and guidelines to observe:

1. Keep quiet: An important trait of a good observer.2. Tread softly: No running on the boardwalk.3. Be patient: Unlike animals that can be easily spotted at the zoo, it takes time to spot the animals in their natural environment here in Sungei

Buloh.4. Be observant: Look out for tell tale signs that something is out there: Try listening for calls or sounds made by the animals and then tracing the

sounds to them. Look out for movement of any kind, from rustling leaves to moving mud.

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Safety AdvicesA) Advice on Stray dogsFrom time to time, stray dogs enter the nature reserves. These stray dogs originate from the vicinity around the nature reserves.

Dogs that enter the nature reserves are targeted for trapping through an on-going programme using baited cages. The trapped dogs are collected by the Agri-food and Veterinary Authority (AVA). When dogs are sighted outside of the nature reserves, the dog control unit of the AVA is informed.

Dogs sometimes harass the wildlife found in nature reserves. Some may be bold enough not to walk away from the people they encounter. SBWR staff actively patrols and ensures the perimeters of the nature reserve minimize the entry of dogs. Staff is also present to help visitors should they encounter stray dogs.

Visitors who encounter these dogs are advised to leave the dogs alone. Try your best to avoid showing signs of fear. It is best to proceed calmly, stand still if necessary and never run when approached by a dog.

Visitors with feedback and suggestions can write to info@sbwr.org.sg or call the information counter at telephone number (65) 6794 1401. They can report dog sightings taking note of the location, date, time and number of dogs seen. The information given will enable the reserve’s dog control measures to be implemented more effectively.

B) Advice on CrocodilesEstuarine crocodiles are known to inhabit the waters of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. These are wild animals and they have a reputation for being aggressive.

Visitors are strongly advised to stay on visitor routes and not venture off the paths. On occasion, the crocodiles have been spotted basking on the visitor routes. Should visitors encounter a crocodile on the path, they should stay calm and back away slowly. Do not provoke the animal. Staff are present to help visitors should they need any assistance – please call the information counter at Tel: 6794 1401. Under no circumstances should visitors approach a crocodile. As with all wild animals, crocodiles should be treated with caution.

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Crocodile warning signs have been posted at various parts of the Reserve where they are most often spotted. Visitors are advised to heed these signsfor their own safety.

Visitors with feedback and suggestions can write to info@sbwr.org.sg or call the Information Counter at 6794 1401. They can report crocodile sightings taking note of the location, date, time and number of crocodiles seen. The information will help the Reserve further monitor and track the crocodiles’ movements.

C) Advice on Hornets, Wasps or BeesIf you encounter hornets, wasps or bees, do not swat at them. Retreat at least about 20m. If not possible, hide in vehicle or any enclosure or lie face down & cover head with arms. If you spot their nests, DO NOT disturb or approach the nests; call 67941401 (8:30 am – 6:00 pm) or 64880252 (outside office hours), or inform the rangers at our parks.

• Wear long-sleeved light coloured clothing if possible when outdoors. Try not to wear dark clothing as bees tend to target dark objects;• Try not to wear bright jewelry, flowery clothing and go barefoot & use strong scented lotions, perfumes, soaps, shampoos when walk in forested

areas;

• Do not panic if the odd wasp settles on you. Remain calm and the insects usually fly away;• Consult a doctor immediately if stung by hornet or bees.

Background on sting wounds

Wasps and bees have stingers that deliver venom and cause pain when injected into the skin. Most people who are stung by an insect will have redness, itching, swelling, and some pain around the sting site.

Some people are allergic to insect stings. They may experience rashes, itch, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, puffiness of the eyes, lips, tongue and throat, and difficulty in breathing. Symptoms can begin immediately after the sting or up to 30 minutes later and might last for hours. The patient

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can die of shock if this response is not reversed within a short time. Non-allergic victims who receive multiple stings can also develop serious complications.

What you should do if you are stung?

• Do not try to pull the stinger and venom sac out as this may release more venom;• Scrape out the stinger with a blunt-edged stiff object like a credit card or dull knife.• Remove any rings and watches before any swelling occurs.• Wash affected area with soap and water several times a day until the skin is healed.

• Apply a cold or ice pack, wrapped in cloth on the area for 10-15 minutes to stop the pain and swelling. To prevent frostbite, do not apply ice directly on the sting area.

• Apply a paste of baking soda and water. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes;• Take pain killer, if necessary. Dabbing on a tiny amount of household ammonia or antihistamine, e.g. over-the-counter products suitable for insect

stings, if approved by physician.

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Important Facts and Figures of Sungei Buloh Wetland ReserveThe Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve covers an area of 130 hectares, and is an important stop-over point for migratory birds during the winter months. The reserve is named after the river which flows through it. "sungei" means "river", while "buloh" means bamboo. However, no native bamboo species were recorded from the area so far.

The area was discovered by a a group of birdwatchers from the then Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch) in 1986. They subsequently proposed to the government to conserve the area, and eventually 87 hectares of wetlands was designated as a nature park in 1989, and officially opened on 6 Dec 1993 by then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong. It was officially gazetted as a nature reserve on 1 Jan 2002. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve was also recognised as a site of international importance for migratory birds with Wetlands International, and was included into the East Asian Australasian Shorebird Site Network.

Source: www.tidechaser.blogspot.com

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Day 1

Lesson Outline Time Resources Remarks

Introduction Pupils will be given a briefing on learning journey objectives and appropriate conduct and guidelines to obey.

Pupils will also pen down the things to bring and the attire for that day.

Teacher will distribute consent forms and inform pupils to have their parents to sign it, before submitting the next day.

10 mins Consent Form (see Appendix A)

To prepare pupils for the learning journey.

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Development Teacher will show the class a video of Sungei Buloh to prepare them for their learning journey.

Collaborative Group Work:

Pupils will be tasked to work in groups of 4 to explore the features of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

They will be given the following guiding questions for discussion:

What is the Reserve well known for?

What can you expect to find in Sungei Buloh?

What do you think you’ll be able to learn from your visit to Sungei Buloh?

Pupils will pen their answers on butcher paper.

30 mins YouTube Video on Sungei Buloh:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtrxWU3xB-0

Butcher paper

Marker

To equip pupils with prior knowledge of Sungei Buloh before their visit.

To allow pupils to have a sense of ownership in their own learning.

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Consolidation Each group will send a group representative to present the groups’ findings to the class.

15 mins

Closure Teacher will summarize pupils’ understanding of Sungei Buloh, and take the opportunity to clarify any doubts regarding the learning journey.

5 mins

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Day 2Lesson Outline Time Resources Remarks

Assemble in School Foyer

Pupils to assemble in the foyer.

Teacher allows time for pupils to visit the washroom before boarding.

Teacher will take attendance and do a headcount.

Teacher to remind pupils of the appropriate conduct.

Teacher will distribute learning journey activity sheets.

Pupils to board the bus in an orderly manner.

830

0900

Learning Journey Activity Booklet (Appendix C)

Arrival at Sungei Buloh Pupils will alight and assemble at the car park. (see Appendix B- Photo 2)

Each class of pupils will gather in two rows.

930 One teacher to guide pupils from the front, and another one to guide them from the back.

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Nature Gallery Walk Teacher will guide pupils to the nature gallery (Appendix B- Photo 3), where they will read more about the mangrove habitat.

Teacher will task pupils to complete page 1 of the learning journey activity booklet.

0930 - 1000 Learning Journey Activity Booklet

Pupils to view the exhibits 'Mangrove', 'Wetlands' and 'Distribution of Mangrove' at the nature gallery. These will provide a good background on the origin, distribution, uses and importance of mangrove wetlands.

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Tour around the Mangrove Boardwalk

Teacher guide pupils in two rows at all times when walking along the boardwalk (Appendix B-Photo 4).

Teacher will remind pupils to walk gently and to keep quiet.

Teacher encourages pupils to keep a look out for the flora and fauna, and circle those they can spot in pages 2 and 3 of the learning booklet.

Teacher allows time for pupils to pause, as they stop to observe the animals and plants, and read the information provided.

Teacher takes time to explain and clarify any doubts that the pupils might have on the mangrove habitat.

1000 - 1100 Pupils will be able to understand how organisms interact with one another to adapt and survive in the mangrove ecosystem, as well as have an appreciation for nature.

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Break Time Each class to proceed to a resting hut (Appendix B- Photo 5)

Pupils are given break time to have their snacks and go to the washroom.

Pupils are also given time to complete their activity booklet.

1100 - 1145

Assemble at Holding Area

Pupils will assemble at the holding area outside the entrance (Appendix B- Photo 6).

Teacher will do a final headcount.

Once the buses arrive, teacher will guide pupils to the carpark.

1150 - 1200

Arrival at School Pupils to assemble in the foyer.

Teacher will guide pupils back to their classrooms.

1230 - 1300

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Learning Journey Consolidation

Teacher will go through the questions from the Learning Journey Activity Booklet with the pupils, and allow them to share their responses and experiences.

Teacher will brief pupils on their learning journey homework

assignment; have pupils research the current status of mangrove forests around the world and the causes of mangrove forest destruction. Then, have pupils do a short write a short write-up on the ecological importance of mangrove forests and what actions they believe should be taken to address the loss of mangrove habitat.

1300 - 1345 To consolidate pupils’ learning and experiences.

Allow pupils to communicate their thoughts and experiences.

National Education and Environmental Awareness and Conservation:

Pupils will learn of Singapore’s efforts to preserve the natural ecosystem of the mangrove, as well as be aware of the importance of conserving the mangrove ecosystem.

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Appendix A - Consent Form

Field Trip Consent Form

___________________________ (Name of child/ward) has permission to participate in a planned field trip activity.

TRIP DESTINATION: Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve DATE: _________________ 2012

DEPARTURE TIME: 0900 ! RETURN TIME: 1230

___________________________________! ! ! ! ! ! ___________________________

(Name and Signature of Parent/Guardian)! ! ! ! ! ! (Date of Signature)

___________________________________! ! ! ! ! ! ___________________________

(Address)! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! (Telephone Number)

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Appendix B - Photographs of Locations in Sungei Buloh

Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3

Photo 4 Photo 5 Photo 6

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Appendix C - Learning Journey Activity Booklet

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ReferencesSungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. (n.d.). Retrieved from Worksheets: www.sbwr.org.sg/goodies/worksheets/

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. (n.d). Retrieved from www.sbwr.org.sg/visitorinfo/frequentlyaskedquestions/

The Tide Chaser. (n.d.). The Tide Chaser. Retrieved from www.tidechaser.blogspot.com

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