Human-environment interactions - Study 3: Climate change (urban heat) | Year 11 - Stage 6 | Geography excursion | Field of Mars EEC
Program overview
Urban heat is a Year 11 (Stage 6) Geography excursion where students participate in the City of Ryde’s Cool Places Cool Spaces citizen science project to investigate climate change impacts in Meadowbank. Students collect primary data on urban heat and thermal comfort across multiple sites, document mitigation strategies, and use interviews and analysis to evaluate how green spaces and planning can reduce heat impacts.
Inquiry questions
- How does the built environment impact the natural processes of heating and cooling on Earth?
- What strategies can be implemented to address urban heat in outdoor spaces?
- How do geographers measure the impact of urban heat on people?
Fieldwork activities
Understanding urban heat
This program commences with a series of scientific investigations that allow students to understand how the built environment interacts with natural heating and cooling processes, providing students with an evidence-based understanding of urban overheating.
Heat mitigation strategies
Students will use field photography to survey for heat mitigation strategies employed by local and state government.
Measuring urban heat
Students will measure abiotic and biotic factors in a number of sites of interest to create a spatial database of urban heat and thermal comfort in Meadowbank. Metadata can be used to identify factors that increase or reduce urban heat, including mitigation strategies.
Urban heat survey
Environmental data will be supported by interviews which assess the impacts of and responses to urban heat on local residents.
Collective results can be used to indicate the success of the local council in meeting urban heat mitigation strategic targets.
Student-directed inquiry
Students will apply their learning from the day to co-construct their own investigation evaluating green spaces as a cool place, cool space.
Location options
Meadowbank station
Main start and finish location – Location information including risk assessment and risk management advice, bus map and public transport options.
Meadowbank wharf
Additional start and finish location – Location information including risk assessment and risk management advice, bus map and public transport options.
Essential information
Cost and details
Cost 2026 |
DoE school $27 per student – GST free Non-gov school $37 per student – GST free, minimum charge $750 per class |
Classes |
Maximum 2 classes with up to 30 students per class. |
Activities |
Activities may change to suit student needs, the selected site and weather conditions. |
Bring |
View Preparing for your excursion. Bring worksheet, writing equipment, clipboard, medications, low-waste food, water bottles, sunblock, hat and raincoat in a backpack. Sports uniform recommended. This program requires students to use a mobile device to record data. Inform the centre if devices are not permitted. With teacher permission, students may be able to purchase food. |
Welfare |
Participants will be walking all day. Some sites are not wheelchair accessible - contact centre. 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 |
Worksheet and supporting resources
Worksheet |
Schools are responsible for printing student worksheets. |
Supporting student resource |
Human-environment interactions - Climate change (Urban heat) Google site |
Additional learning resources |
Fieldwork techniques |
Suggested timetable
Time |
Activities |
| 9.30 - 10.00 | Arrival and introduction (toilets) |
| 10.00 - 10.30 | Investigating heating and cooling |
| 10.30 - 10.50 | Food break and toilets |
| 10.50 - 12.50 | Measuring urban heat |
| 12.50 - 1.10 | Urban heat survey |
| 1.10 - 1.30 | Food break and toilets |
| 1.30 - 2.00 | Cool places, cool spaces |
| 2.00 - 2.15 | Conclusion and depart |
Syllabus outcomes and content
Geography 11–12 Syllabus (2022)
Outcomes
A student:
- examines places, environments and natural and human phenomena, for their characteristics, spatial patterns, interactions and changes over time GE-11-01
- explains geographical opportunities and challenges, and varying perspectives and responses GE-11-03
- assesses responses and management strategies, at a range of scales, for sustainability GE-11-04
- analyses and synthesises relevant geographical information from a variety of sources GE-11-05
- identifies geographical methods used in geographical inquiry and their relevance in the contemporary world GE-11-06
- applies geographical inquiry skills and tools, including spatial technologies, fieldwork, and ethical practices, to investigate places and environments GE-11-07
- applies mathematical ideas and techniques to analyse geographical data GE-11-08
- communicates and applies geographical understanding, using geographical knowledge, concepts, terms and tools, in appropriate forms GE-11-09
Study 3: Climate change
-
Environmental and human impacts of climate change at a range of scales
- impacts on natural processes, systems and/or environments
- impacts on people and communities
-
Challenges, opportunities and responses
- minimising risk through adaptation, resilience and innovation
- local, national and global action
-
The effectiveness of people and organisations in managing ONE climate change challenge at a selected place
Geography 11–12 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2022
Book now
Book your secondary geography excursion using our online booking form.
Supporting resources
View online lessons that support secondary 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.