Earth's natural systems excursion | Year 11 - Stage 6 Geography

Fieldwork activities

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

Meet a tree

Students complete a detailed field journal study of a tree found in eucalyptus forests. They relate observed tree features to biophysical processes to explain how the tree functions as a primary producer.

Dry sclerophyll forest investigation

At a ridgetop dry sclerophyll forest site, students use systematic sampling along a transect to measure biotic and abiotic characteristics including vegetation structure, species, tree dimensions, light, temperature, wind, humidity, soil moisture, slope position, soil depth, texture and pH.

Data analysis and interpretation

Students organise field data within the ecological, atmospheric, hydrological and geomorphic systems. They identify interconnections and processes such as photosynthesis, water movement, weathering, erosion, nutrient cycling, biomass accumulation and carbon sequestration and use these relationships to explain the functioning and productivity of the dry sclerophyll forest.

Wet sclerophyll forest comparison

Students plan their own geographical inquiry to compare the productivity of dry and wet sclerophyll forests. They select and conduct abiotic tests, and use primary data and their understanding of biophysical processes to explain differences in forest productivity and land cover change.

Nature connection

Students compare how they felt about the forest before and after completing the fieldwork. They reflect on how close observation and investigation can influence personal connection with and appreciation of the natural world. Optional activities include guided forest bathing practices in the Field of Mars Reserve valley.

Worksheet and supporting resources

Student worksheet

Download the Earth’s natural systems student worksheet.

Schools are responsible for printing one worksheet for each student before the excursion.

Teacher and student resources

Complete the learning activities in the Earth’s natural systems Google site.

Download the Eucalypt forest - Digital Book for iPads and Macs

View the Fieldwork techniques learning resource.

Suggested timetable

Time	Activities
9.30–9.45	Arrival, introduction and toilets
9.45–10.15	Meet a tree field journalling
10.15–10.45	Food break and toilets
10.45–12.30	Dry sclerophyll forest investigation and data analysis
12.30–1.00	Food break and toilets
1.00–2.00	Wet sclerophyll forest comparative investigation
2.00–2.15	Conclusion and depart

The timetable may change according to class numbers, student learning needs and weather.

Syllabus outcomes and content

Students will learn to

• investigate ecological, atmospheric, hydrological and geomorphic systems through geographical fieldwork
• observe and explain how a tree functions as a primary producer
• collect quantitative and qualitative primary data using systematic sampling techniques
• use fieldwork instruments to measure biotic and abiotic characteristics
• calculate class means and estimate tree carbon content
• organise and analyse data to identify patterns, relationships and interconnections
• explain how natural processes, cycles and circulations influence forest functioning and productivity
• select and justify abiotic tests for a comparative field investigation
• compare the characteristics, distribution and productivity of dry and wet sclerophyll forests
• use primary and provided data to communicate an evidence-based geographical conclusion
• reflect on how fieldwork can influence personal connection with the natural world

Geography 11–12 Syllabus (2022)

Focus area

Earth’s natural systems

Outcomes

• GE-11-01 – examines places, environments and natural and human phenomena, for their characteristics, spatial patterns, interactions and changes over time
• GE-11-05 – analyses and synthesises relevant geographical information from a variety of sources
• GE-11-07 – applies geographical inquiry skills and tools, including spatial technologies, fieldwork, and ethical practices, to investigate places and environments
• GE-11-08 – applies mathematical ideas and techniques to analyse geographical data
• GE-11-09 – communicates and applies geographical understanding, using geographical knowledge, concepts, terms and tools, in appropriate forms

Content

Overview of the uniqueness and diversity of the Earth

• Nature as a source of wonder
• People’s connection to the natural world

Processes, cycles and circulations connecting natural systems

• Characteristics of Earth’s natural systems and factors affecting their functioning

• The processes, cycles and circulations connecting natural systems, including:

  • atmospheric systems
  • hydrological systems
  • geomorphic systems
  • ecological systems

Natural systems and land-cover change

• The natural processes, cycles and circulations that have shaped the land and/or water cover of ONE place

Geography 11–12 Syllabus (2022) © NSW Education Standards Authority for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2022

Vocabulary

abiotic, atmospheric system, biotic, circulation, cycle, dry sclerophyll forest, ecological system, fieldwork, forest productivity, geomorphic system, hydrological system, interconnection, primary data, primary productivity, process, qualitative data, quantitative data, systematic sampling, transect, wet sclerophyll forest

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

Classes

Maximum 2 classes, with up to 30 students per class.

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 6 Geography excursion

Risk assessment and accessibility

Field of Mars Reserve risk assessment and location information – main location⁠

The program includes bushwalking on uneven natural tracks. Some program areas at Field of Mars Reserve may be wheelchair accessible.

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 to bring and prepare

School preparation

• Print one worksheet for each student
• Ensure students bring writing materials and a clipboard
• Arrange at least one charged mobile device for each working group to record photographs and field data
• Inform Field of Mars EEC if student mobile devices are not permitted
• Review relevant fieldwork techniques or supporting resources
• Advise Field of Mars EEC of learning, medical or access requirements

Students should bring

School sports uniform, backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunscreen, raincoat, hat, sturdy closed shoes, pencils, clipboard 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, flooding, severe storms, high winds, smoke, poor air quality 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