Factors that shape places | Stage 3 | HSIE Geography incursion | Field of Mars EEC
Program overview
Factors that shape places is a Stage 3 HSIE Geography incursion where students conduct a geographical inquiry in local bushland or parkland. Using maps and fieldwork methods, students collect primary data (for example water-quality testing and vegetation surveys), identify human influences and natural values, and evaluate management strategies while considering future improvements.
Learning intention
- We are learning to describe how people influence our local environment.
- We are learning to describe how our local environment influences people and places.
Activities
Introduction
Students are introduced to the day’s inquiry question—How should local bushland sites be managed for people and the environment? Students discuss safe, respectful fieldwork behaviours and begin identifying how urban bushland is valued and used by the community.
Field sketching
Students learn field sketching techniques and create an annotated folded view drawing of the site. Students label natural and human features and explain why features are present, including visible signs of management.
Bushland adventures
On a guided bushwalk, students explore how people use local bushland places for recreation and connection. Students identify positive and negative influences, for example track damage, domestic animals, weeds and litter and discuss how management can reduce impacts.
Creek walk
Students investigate an urban waterway by using simple ID charts to distinguish native plants and common weeds along the creek line. Students reflect on how the creek environment is used and valued now, how it might be used in the future, and what management actions could protect it.
Students conduct hands-on water tests using field equipment and record results as a class. Students link stormwater runoff to changes in water quality and ecosystem impacts, and explain how human actions can contribute to pollution and weed growth.
Collecting evidence
Students use photographs and observations as fieldwork evidence to communicate geographic ideas about features, impacts and management strategies. The program concludes with a guided Have Your Say activity where students propose informed recommendations and consider how community consultation shapes local bushland management.
This program of also available as an excursion to Field of Mars Reserve.
This program will retire at the end of 2026.
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 |
Risk assessment |
Risk management plan |
Classes |
Recommended maximum 4 classes per day. |
View |
Factors that shape places learning resource |
Welfare |
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 |
Activity |
| 9.15 - 9.45 | Introduction at school or local area |
| 9.45 - 10.15 | Recess |
| 10.15 - 12.30 | Activities in local area |
| 12.30 - 1.00 | Lunch |
| 1.00 - 2.15 | Activities in local area |
| 2.15 | Return to school |
Please include your school's bell times in the notes section of your booking form.
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 incursion using our online booking form.
Learning resources
View online lessons that support primary incursion and excursion programs.
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.