Factors that shape places | Stage 3 HSIE geography excursion
Program overview
How are nature reserves managed for people and the environment? During this excursion Stage 3 students will undertake geographical inquiry in the Field of Mars Reserve to investigate its geographical features, human influences and natural values. Students use primary data and their own experiences to evaluate management practices as they consider the future of the reserve.
Learning intentions
- We are learning to describe how people influence the environment in the Field of Mars Reserve.
- We are learning to describe how the environment influences people and places in the Field of Mars Reserve.
Activities
Create a catchment
Students will be introduced to the day's inquiry by creating a natural model of a catchment area. Scenarios that replicate human activities are investigated and impacts are observed to develop student knowledge and understanding.
Waterways investigations
Students will undertake a geographical investigation of Buffalo Creek, exploring its physical characteristics and ecological significance. Plant surveys will explore how pollutants have modified the riparian zone and animal surveys will lead students to understand how the health of a waterway supports the needs of aquatic and terrestrial animal species. Chemical and physical water testing will be conducted to assess the water quality of the creek.
Bushland investigations
The ways in which people use and value urban bushland sites are key factors in their management. Through exploring bushland and engaging in the activities enjoyed within these reserves, students will deepen their understanding of how human interaction influences natural areas.
This program is also available as an incursion.
This program will retire at the end of 2026.
Location
Field of Mars Reserve
Main location – including risk assessment and risk management advice, bus map and track overview.
Essential information
Cost and details
Cost 2026 |
DoE $27 per student – GST free Non-gov $37 per student – GST free, min charge $750 per class Term 1 – Non-gov weeks 3 to 6 cost = DoE cost – GST free, min charge $750 |
Classes |
Maximum 6 classes. |
Bring |
Sports uniform, backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunblock, raincoat, hat, sturdy shoes, reusable name tag. |
View |
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Welfare |
Rugged bushwalking, limited wheelchair accessibility. May not suit recently unwell participants. For medical or special needs notify staff prior to program. |
Extreme or wet weather |
Program may be modified, postponed or cancelled due to predicted extreme temperatures, bush fire danger, heavy rainfall, high winds or dust storms. |
Booking policy |
Confirm student numbers and classes 7 days in advance. |
Cancellation fee |
Less than 30 working school days – $600 Less than 7 working school days notice – full cost Weather or fire danger cancellation – $0 |
Suggested timetable
Time |
Classes A, B |
Classes C, D |
| 9.45 - 10.30 | Introduction, recess and toilets | Introduction, recess and toilets |
| 10.30 - 12.00 |
Create a catchment Waterway investigations |
Bushland investigations |
| 12.00 - 12.30 | Lunch and toilets | Lunch and toilets |
| 12.30 - 2.00 | Bushland investigations |
Create a catchment Waterway investigations |
| 2.00 - 2.15 | Pack up, toilets and depart | Pack up, toilets and depart |
Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary
Syllabus outcomes and content
Geography K-10 Syllabus (2015)
Factors that shape places
Outcomes
- Describes the diverse features and characteristics of places and environments GE3-1
- Explains interactions and connections between people, places and environments GE3-2
- Compares and contrasts influences on the management of places and environments GE3-3
- Acquires, processes and communicates geographical information using geographical tools for inquiry GE3-4
Content
Environments shape places
- Investigate how the natural environment influences people and places
Humans shape places
- Investigate how people influence places
Other syllabus links
Learning experiences will also support but not explicitly teach the following outcomes and content:
Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus (2017)
Outcomes
- Examines how the environment affects the growth, survival and adaptation of living things ST3-4LW-S
Content
- Describe how changing physical conditions in the environment affect the growth and survival of living things
Geography K-10 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2015
Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2017
Book now
Book your primary excursion using our online booking form.
Social stories
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Learning resources
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Flora and fauna fact sheets
View our curriculum-aligned fact sheets on Australian animals, plants, ecosystems and environments for NSW primary and secondary students, ideal for research, projects and classroom learning.