Water in the world excursion
Stage 4 Geography
Program
Students will conduct fieldwork along the Lane Cove River to observe natural water resources and investigate hydrological processes. They’ll use tools and techniques to collect data on water flow factors and catchment management strategies. The study site will stimulate student reflection on the value of water to people, with particular reference to Aboriginal perspectives.
Inquiry questions
- What hydrological processes move water through a catchment?
- What factors influence water flows into the Lane Cove River?
- How do people value water today and in the past?
- What strategies can be used to manage catchment areas for sustainability?
Fieldwork
Students will engage in a variety of fieldwork activities using a variety of geographical tools. Fieldwork activities are supported by a student booklet which encourages students to record geographical information in a variety of ways.
Using maps, field sketching, and tactile graphics and models, students investigate the hydrological processes that move water through a catchment. This is supported with the use of scientific equipment to test water quality, collecting quantitative data on the human impacts on water flows and water quality.
Through hands-on activities and observation of artefacts, students gain an experiential understanding of the cultural and spiritual value of water Country for Aboriginal Peoples.
To conclude, students will observe management strategies that protect the Lane Cove River and will be encouraged to consider how they can positively impact their local waterways.
Throughout the day students will be encouraged to connect at a personal level with the natural environments around them in order to promote positive wellbeing and foster a sense of custodianship.
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.
Essential information
| Cost 2025 |
DoE school $26 per student – GST free Non-gov school $36 per student – GST free, minimum charge $750 |
| Cost 2026 |
DoE school $27 per student – GST free Non-gov school $37 per student – GST free, minimum charge $750 per class |
| Classes | Maximum 8 classes |
| 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 may require students to use a mobile device to record data. Inform the centre if devices are not permitted. |
| 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 |
Schools are responsible for printing student worksheets. |
| Additional learning resources | Fact sheets |
| 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 |
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
Thinking and working geographically
- Use relevant geographical concepts
- Engage in geographical inquiry using geographical information
- Use relevant geographical tools
Water resources and their value
- Hydrological processes that move water through a catchment area
- Factors influencing water flows and the availability of water resources in different places
- The economic, cultural, spiritual and aesthetic value of water
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
Water resources
Students:
- investigate the characteristics and spatial distribution of global water resources
Water scarcity and management
Students:
- investigate the nature of water scarcity and ways of overcoming it
The value of water
Students:
- investigate the economic, cultural, spiritual and aesthetic values of water for people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and/or peoples of the Asia region
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
