Landscapes and landforms | Stage 4 | Geography excursion | Field of Mars EEC
Program overview
Landscapes and landforms is a Stage 4 Geography fieldwork excursion along the Lane Cove River where students investigate the features, characteristics, uses and value of a riverine landscape. Using digital and non-digital fieldwork tools, students observe landforms and the geomorphic processes that form them, collect qualitative and quantitative data to characterise the landscape, and explore human-environment interactions including those of local Aboriginal Peoples.
Inquiry questions
- What are the features and characteristics of a riverine landscape?
- What geomorphic processes of tectonic activity, weathering, erosion and deposition create and shape the riverine landscape?
- How do people value and protect riverine landscapes?
- What Knowledges and Practices are used by Aboriginal Peoples to manage and care for Country?
Fieldwork activities
As they journey along the Lane Cove River, students conduct place-based investigations supported by a provided fieldwork booklet.
Mapping
Using large-scale and topographic maps, students locate the catchment, identify start and finish points and practise area/grid references. Students use mapping to plan the walk and predict the landscapes and landforms they expect to observe.
Features and characteristics
Students build geographical vocabulary through a feature word hunt and then complete a structured field sketch.
Students also complete a sound map survey to acquire, process and communicate data about how environmental sounds describe place characteristics.
Landscape exploration
Students zoom in to investigate the river foreshore, mangrove forest and sandstone forest using fieldwork equipment to record abiotic and biotic observations.
Erosion and deposition
As they move through the valley, students identify landforms and classify them as erosional or depositional features using a bingo-style field task.
Students also examine sandstone up close to identify and record visible evidence of weathering processes shaping the landscape.
Values and management
Students observe how people value riverine landscapes, and conduct hands-on investigations that emphasise the cultural value of riverine landscapes to local Aboriginal Peoples and the practices used to manage Country.
Students identify contemporary management strategies through signs and built features, and conclude with a short reflection on personal responsibility for caring for landscapes.
Route options
This excursion involves a one-way walk which takes place along a section of the Great North Walk. Walking routes are dependent on the number of classes in attendance.
Please contact the centre for planning assistance.
2 classes
Start - Magdala Park
Finish - Buffalo Creek Reserve
2 classes
Start - Buffalo Creek Reserve
Finish - Magdala Park
2 classes
Start - Boronia Park
Finish - Buffalo Creek Reserve
2 classes
Start - Buffalo Creek Reserve
Finish - Boronia Park
Locations
Magdala Park
Location information - including risk assessment and risk management advice, bus map and track overview.
Buffalo Creek Reserve
Location information - including risk assessment and risk management advice, bus map and track overview.
Boronia Park
Location information - including risk assessment and risk management advice, bus map and track overview.
Rotary Athletics Field
Location information - including risk assessment and risk management advice, bus map and track overview.
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 10 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 writing equipment, clipboard, medications, low-waste food, water bottles, sunblock, hat and raincoat in a backpack. Sports uniform recommended. |
Welfare |
Rugged bushwalking, not wheelchair accessible. 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 |
Field of Mars EEC will print fieldwork booklets for students. |
Additional learning resources |
Fact sheets - animal and plant fact sheets Eucalypt forest - Digital Book for iPads and Macs |
Suggested timetable
Time |
Activities |
| 9.30 - 10.00 |
Introduction and fieldwork preparation at start location Food break and toilets |
| 10.00 - 12.00 | Bushwalk and fieldwork activities |
| 12.00 - 12.30 | Food break at scenic spot on Lane Cove River |
| 12.30 - 2.00 | Bushwalk and fieldwork activities |
| 2.00 - 2.15 |
Arrive at finish location Food break and toilets Conclusion and depart |
Syllabus outcomes and content
NSW Geography 7–10 Syllabus (2024)
Outcomes
- locates the diverse features and describes the characteristics of a range of places and environments GE4-DFC-01
- explains the processes and interactions that change people, places and environments GE4-PRI-01
- explains the management and protection of places and environments GE4-MAN-01
- explains Aboriginal Peoples’ Custodianship, care and management of Country GE4-APC-01
- selects and uses geographical tools to acquire and process geographical information GE4-TAP-01
Content
Dynamic landscapes and landforms
- Location and features of a variety of landscapes and landforms
- Geomorphic processes of tectonic activity, weathering, erosion and deposition that create and shape landscapes and landforms
- Human impacts that modify landscapes and landforms
The value and protection of landscapes and landforms
- Environmental, economic, recreational and cultural value of landscapes and landforms
- Protection of landscapes and landforms on various scales
- Knowledges and Practices used by Aboriginal Peoples to manage and care for Country
Geography 7–10 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2024
NSW Geography K–10 Syllabus (2015)
Outcomes
- locates and describes the diverse features and characteristics of a range of places and environments GE4-1
- describes processes and influences that form and transform places and environments GE4-2
- examines perspectives of people and organisations on a range of geographical issues GE4-4
- discusses management of places and environments for their sustainability GE4-5
- acquires and processes geographical information by selecting and using geographical tools for inquiry GE4-7
- communicates geographical information using a variety of strategies GE4-8
Content
Landscapes and landforms
Students:
- investigate different landscapes and the geomorphic processes that create distinctive landforms
Value of landscapes and landforms
Students:
- investigate the aesthetic, cultural, spiritual and economic value of landscapes and landforms for people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Landscape management and protection
Students:
- investigate ways people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, manage and protect landscapes
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
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.