Geography fieldwork incursion | Stage 6 Geography

Fieldwork activities

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

Investigation purpose and site orientation

Students identify the investigation purpose, observe the characteristics of the study site and review procedures for safe, ethical and low-impact fieldwork. They consider how site selection, sampling design and equipment choice can influence the quality and representativeness of the data collected.

Ecological sampling

Students use quadrats, line transects and/or belt transects to investigate the distribution and abundance of living things. They compare random and systematic sampling methods, record qualitative and quantitative observations and consider which methods are most appropriate for different geographical inquiries.

Abiotic and optional water quality testing

Students use specialised fieldwork instruments to measure environmental variables such as air temperature, humidity, wind speed, light intensity, soil moisture and soil pH. They compare measurements and identify how abiotic conditions influence the characteristics of the terrestrial ecosystem.

Where suitable waterway access is available and water quality testing has been selected, students measure dissolved oxygen concentration, turbidity, water temperature, pH and phosphate concentration. They use the results to investigate relationships between water quality, ecosystem functioning, human activity and land use.

Data interpretation and evaluation

Students collate and compare their fieldwork results to identify patterns, relationships and differences between sites or samples. They use evidence to characterise the study environment, evaluate the validity, reliability, representativeness and limitations of their methods, and communicate a concise evidence-based conclusion using appropriate geographical concepts and terminology.

Worksheet and supporting resources

Student worksheet

The Geography fieldwork student worksheet is coming soon.

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

Teacher and student resources

View the Fieldwork techniques learning resource.

Suggested timetable

Time	Classes A, B, C and D
9.00–10.00	Ecological sampling	Abiotic testing
10.00–11.00	Abiotic testing	Ecological sampling

Time	Classes E, F, G and H
11.30–12.30	Ecological sampling	Abiotic testing
12.30–1.30	Abiotic testing	Ecological sampling

The recommended program length is two hours. Activities may run in either order, and two or more classes rotate between activities.

Include the school’s bell times in the notes section of the booking form. The program may require some classes to adjust recess or lunch times. More than eight classes will require an additional booking day.

Where water quality testing is requested, the activity sequence will be negotiated according to suitable waterway access, site conditions and the available timetable.

Syllabus outcomes and content

Students will learn to

• identify the question and purpose of a local geographical investigation
• apply safe, ethical and low-impact fieldwork procedures
• collect qualitative and quantitative primary geographical data
• use quadrats, line transects and belt transects to investigate distribution and abundance
• compare random and systematic sampling methods
• select sampling methods suited to different fieldwork purposes
• measure and record biotic and abiotic environmental factors
• analyse patterns, relationships and differences within fieldwork data
• evaluate the validity, reliability, representativeness and limitations of fieldwork methods
• communicate an evidence-based geographical conclusion

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-11-09 – communicates and applies geographical understanding, using geographical knowledge, concepts, terms and tools, in appropriate forms

Content

Earth’s natural systems

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

Acquiring geographical information

• Acquire quantitative and/or qualitative data and information using ethical practices by collecting and recording primary geographical data using a range of tools

Processing geographical information

• Represent data and information in appropriate forms

• Interpret, synthesise and analyse data and information using quantitative and qualitative methods to:

  • make reasoned generalisations and inferences
  • propose explanations for patterns, trends, relationships and anomalies
  • draw conclusions

• Evaluate data and information for reliability, validity and usefulness, including limitations

Communicating geographical understanding

• Communicate geographical understanding, findings and conclusions using presentation methods appropriate to purpose and audience

Course contribution

Twelve hours of fieldwork are mandatory in the Year 11 course. This two-hour incursion contributes to that fieldwork requirement and can support, but does not replace, the school’s complete Geographical Investigation.

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 factor, abundance, belt transect, bias, biotic factor, distribution, ecosystem, environmental variable, fieldwork, geographical inquiry, hygrometer, line transect, pH, primary data, qualitative data, quantitative data, quadrat, random sampling, reliability, representative sample, soil moisture, systematic sampling, transect, turbidity, validity, water quality

Cost, class numbers and booking

Cost

DoE school $20 per student – GST free

Non-government school $26 per student – GST free, minimum charge $750 per class

Schools outside Greater Sydney – minimum charge $750 per class

Program length

Recommended program length of two hours.

Maximum two sessions per day.

Classes

Recommended maximum eight classes per day, 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.

Include the school’s bell times, preferred fieldwork activities and any request for water quality testing in the notes section of the booking form.

Book this Stage 6 Geography incursion

Risk assessment and accessibility

View incursion risk assessments

School grounds and local natural areas vary in terrain, facilities and accessibility. The school should select a study site that is safe and appropriate for participating students and the proposed fieldwork methods.

If local bushland or another natural area outside the school is used, all participating teachers should visit the site before the incursion and be familiar with the walking route between the school and study area.

Classroom teachers are expected to attend and actively supervise students throughout the incursion. Schools should maintain an adult-to-student supervision ratio of at least 1:15.

Students who are unwell should not participate.

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

View school incursion location information⁠

What to bring and prepare

School preparation

• Identify a suitable natural study area within the school grounds or walking distance of the school.
• Confirm permission and access requirements for any offsite study area.
• Ensure participating teachers have inspected offsite locations and walking routes.
• Review the available fieldwork activities and nominate preferred activities on the booking form.
• Include school bell times in the booking form.
• Organise students into suitable fieldwork groups.
• Ensure students bring writing materials and a clipboard.
• Print one worksheet for each student when the worksheet becomes available.
• Advise Field of Mars EEC of learning, medical or access requirements.
• Provide the school’s first aid kit and first aid officer.

Students should bring

If leaving the school grounds, students should bring school sports uniform, backpack, medication, 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, 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