Murray darling river investigation essay

Purpose:
This assessment allows you to provide evidence of reflection and evaluation of an issue which affects the sustainable use of the Murray River. This is particularly relevant to us as it is the medium used for our canoeing expedition.

Description of Assessment: Murray-Darling Basin (MDB)

PART A: Pre-trip research: (1000 – 1500 words)

You will choose one topic question from the list below. You will undertake an investigation, through researching primary and/or secondary sources of information about issues affecting the sustainable use of the Murray Darling Basin:
➢ Salinity – What is salinity and how and where does it impact the South Australian Murray-Darling Basin?

➢ Blue Green Algae – What causes Blue Green Algae? How does BGA impact the Murray-Darling Basin? What are the solutions? Where do the outbreaks occur?

➢ Weirs / Water Flow – What is the purpose of weirs? When and why were they constructed? How have these impacted on the water flow of the Murray River (present a balanced view – useful and non-useful outcomes)

➢ Introduced Species – What were the common introduced species? How were they introduced? Describe the impact of the introduced species on the Murray Darling system (present a balanced view –useful and non-useful outcomes)

➢ Agriculture in the Murray-Darling Basin – What industries draw on water from the MDB? How is Irrigation and Farming Practices regulated? Which States/Territories benefit the most from the MDB? Are there any conflicts relating to using the MDB for agriculture and what solutions are available?

➢ Recreational Use/Overuse – Who uses the MDB for recreation? What is the impact of human recreational use? How is this regulated?

➢ Indigenous uses of the Murray-Darling Basin – Describe the historical significance of the MDB to Indigenous people of South Australia. Relate the Dreamtime story to the MDB and describe the flora and fauna that can be found along the MDB.

➢ Other – (by negotiation with teacher)

Murray darling river investigation essay

Your research will be collated with the headings in report format as presented below:

• Introduction: (100 – 150 words)
Description of where your topic impacts in the Murray Darling and the Murray Darlings’ importance to Australia. Describe the problems associated with the issue you chose and explain how they are occurring

• Main Investigation: (600 – 800 words)
Discuss the solutions that have been considered to address these problems.

• Conclusion: (100 – 150 words)
Evaluate which solutions you consider would be the most effective to ensure the sustainable use of the Murray Darling.

• Bibliography/References:
Include an accurate and appropriate bibliography or reference (Primary and Secondary sources)

Murray darling river investigation essay

PART B: Expedition sharing: 3 copies of A4 Summary of your topic (laminated) and presented on the Canoe expedition

PART C: Reflection and Evaluation: Create a page on the Blog called “Reflection and Evaluation”. Include the following information:

Planning and Management:
• Overview – (including dates, venue, mode of transport)
• Details of group – Who went (includes staff, student names, year level, what subject)
• Route Card and Map – A good copy of the one taken on camp – scanned
• Risk Assessment Plan – Uploaded copy of your RAP onto the Blog – Risk Assessment
• Menu Plan – A good copy of the one made in class

Murray darling river investigation essay

Environmental Observations and Management:
Weather​Describe the conditions encountered each day and at night in detail focussing on all of the weather conditions (precipitation, cloud cover and type, temperature, wind) – 3 day weather forecast
Terrain​Describe the water conditions you paddled on and analyse the least and most challenging experience. Discuss any other interesting features that you encountered in relation to the route.
Navigation​Discuss the decisions made and challenges faced in relation to navigation. What did you learn? What were the challenges?
Observations of Park Management
Discuss the different types of camp sites, facilities, tracks, signage etc. witnessed while on camp. Explain the reasons for these in relation to park management.
Environmental Observations
Discuss the flora and fauna seen on camp using the correct terminology.
Indigenous Perspectives
Demonstrate an awareness of the indigenous perspectives in regard to their occupation of the land and its use.

Reflection and Evaluation: (Personal and Group Development)
Reflect upon the three areas below:
• Group Dynamics – describe how you thought the groups worked together and mention any individual roles that stood out.
• First Aid / Safety Were there any incidents or potential incidents?
• Leadership Styles, Techniques and Issues. (Explain what to do as a leader, how and why you did it, how effective it was and discuss why)

• Concluding personal statement

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