Landscapes and landforms excursion | Stage 4 Geography | Field of Mars EEC

Cost, risk assessment and details

Cost	DoE school $27 per student – GST free Non-gov school $37 per student – GST free, minimum charge $750 per class Program costs may change. Bookings are charged at the cost confirmed when you book.
Classes	Maximum 10 classes with up to 30 students per class.
Risk assessment	Access the risk assessment for your excursion location. Magdala Park risk assessment Buffalo Creek Reserve risk assessment Boronia Park risk assessment Rotary Athletics Field risk assessment
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 and rescheduling	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

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.

Worksheet and supporting resources

Worksheet	Worksheet Field of Mars EEC will print fieldwork booklets for students.
Additional learning resources	Fieldwork techniques Fact sheets - animal and plant fact sheets Eucalypt forest - Digital Book for iPads and Macs

Explore related fact sheets

Use these student-friendly fact sheets before or after your Landscapes and landforms excursion to support fieldwork on riverine landscapes, geomorphic processes, landform features and environmental management.

• ⁠River and creek environment fact sheet – Learn how water flow, creek banks, erosion, deposition, plants and animals shape river and creek environments.
• ⁠Estuary environments fact sheet – Explore places where freshwater and saltwater mix and support connected plants, animals, sediments and food webs.
• ⁠Mangrove forest ecosystem fact sheet – Discover tidal mud, mangrove roots, seedlings, crabs, fish nurseries and estuary food chains.
• ⁠Coastal salt marsh ecosystem fact sheet – Learn about low tidal wetlands with salt-tolerant plants, mud, shallow water and changing conditions.
• ⁠Eucalypt forest ecosystem fact sheet – Compare riverine environments with nearby forest ecosystems, slopes, soils, plants and habitats.
• ⁠Rock and log habitats fact sheet – Learn how rocks, crevices, logs, soil and shelter create small habitats within larger landscapes.

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

Start and finish locations

This excursion involves a one-way walk 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.

Walking route	Locations
Central walk - up to 4 classes	2 classes Start – Magdala Park Finish – Buffalo Creek Reserve 2 classes Start – Buffalo Creek Reserve Finish – Magdala Park
Southern walk - up to 4 classes	2 classes Start – Boronia Park Finish – Buffalo Creek Reserve 2 classes Start – Buffalo Creek Reserve Finish – Boronia Park
Northern walk - up to 2 classes	2 classes Start – Rotary Athletics Field Finish – Magdala Park