Water environments excursion | Stage 1 HSIE Geography

Program activities

Activities may change to suit student needs, timing, tides and weather conditions.

Acknowledgement of Country, maps and bushwalk fieldwork

Students begin with an Acknowledgement of Country and locate Buffalo Creek Reserve and the Lane Cove River on a large-scale map. During a guided bushwalk, they use directional language and observations to identify natural and human features.

Tide investigation

Students investigate how tides influence water levels at Buffalo Creek. They predict whether the water will rise or fall and use a simple marker activity to observe changes over time and consider how tides affect plants, animals and people.

Pond inquiry

Students compare freshwater and saltwater environments through discussion and a shared story. Using dip nets and magnifiers, they observe aquatic life and describe ways people can protect freshwater habitats.

River exploration

At Sugarloaf Point, students investigate natural and human features of the Lane Cove River foreshore and discuss why people value rivers for recreation and other activities. They search for shells, spot fish and, when conditions allow, look for crabs using respectful observation and handling practices.

Mangrove investigation

Students explore a mangrove forest and look for distinctive features such as mud, breathing roots, seedlings, burrows and animal trails. They consider how human features, including tracks and boardwalks, help people visit and protect sensitive environments.

Aboriginal connections to waterways and nature map

Students learn about Aboriginal Peoples’ continuing connections to water Country and how waterways have provided food, materials and travel routes. Stories and practical demonstrations of fishing tools and bark canoes introduce ways knowledge and resources have been used responsibly.

Students finish by creating a temporary nature map from loose materials to represent the places, features and activities experienced during the excursion.

Suggested timetable

Time	Activities
9.45–10.30	Introduction, toilets and recess
10.30–12.30	Bushwalk and activities
12.30–1.00	Lunch and toilets
1.00–2.00	Activities and nature map
2.00–2.15	Pack up, toilets and depart

Syllabus outcomes and content

Students will learn to

• identify and describe natural and human features of water environments
• use maps, observations and fieldwork to collect and represent geographical information
• compare freshwater, tidal and river environments
• describe ways people use and value water environments
• explain how people can use and care for water responsibly
• identify ways Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples value water Country and Place

The excursion directly supports the Human Society and its Environment K–6 Syllabus (2024) through geographical inquiry in creek, river, pond and mangrove environments.

People are connected to places and groups

Outcome

• HS1-GEO-01 – Describes ways people connect to and care for places, water environments and each other, using geographical information

People care for Australia’s water environments

Students:

• Observe and describe natural and human features of Australian rivers by collecting and representing data
• Explain how people can use and care for water responsibly
• Identify ways that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples value water Country and Place

Human Society and its Environment K-6 Syllabus (2024) © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2024

Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary

investigate, observe, compare, record, represent, predict, explain, responsibly, freshwater, saltwater, water environment, riverbank, estuary, tide, mangrove, pneumatophore, boardwalk, habitat

Cost, class numbers and booking

Cost

DoE $27 per student – GST free

Non-government school $37 per student – GST free, minimum charge $750 per class

Term 1 non-government weeks 3 to 5 – DoE cost, GST free, minimum charge $750

Classes

Recommended maximum 4 classes at Buffalo Creek Reserve, with up to 30 students per class.

More than 4 classes will require multiple sites. Please contact us to discuss suitable options.

Program costs

Program costs may change. If program costs change after you book, you will be charged at the original cost.

Booking policy

Confirm final student numbers and classes 7 working school days before the program.

Book this Stage 1 HSIE Geography excursion

Risk assessment and accessibility

Buffalo Creek Reserve risk assessment and location information⁠

Buffalo Creek Reserve is not wheelchair accessible.

The program includes bushwalking on uneven natural tracks.

Students who are unwell should not attend.

Classroom teachers are expected to attend and actively supervise students throughout the excursion.

Notify Field of Mars EEC before the visit about medical, mobility, sensory, communication or other support needs so reasonable adjustments can be considered.

View location information

What students should bring

School sports uniform, backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunscreen, raincoat, hat, sturdy shoes and a reusable name tag.

Weather, cancellations and rescheduling

The program may be modified, postponed or cancelled because of predicted extreme temperatures, bush fire danger, heavy rainfall, high winds or dust storms.

Cancellation or rescheduling with less than 30 school days’ notice before the booking date – $650

Cancellation with less than 14 school days’ notice before the booking date – full program cost

Cancellation due to unsafe weather or fire danger – $0