Earth's resources | Stage 6 | Earth and Environmental Science excursion | Field of Mars EEC
Program overview
Earth’s resources is a Stage 6 Earth and Environmental Science excursion where students conduct fieldwork in Hawkesbury Sandstone landscapes to investigate rocks, soils and associated vegetation. Students use scientific fieldwork techniques to collect and analyse data on lithology, soil properties, biotic and abiotic factors and human impacts, then communicate findings about interactions and land management.
Inquiry questions
- How have the parent rocks shaped the landscape and soils in the Field of Mars Reserve?
- How do soil types influence the biotic and abiotic factors at various study sites?
- How have human activities changed the soils and ecosystems in the Field of Mars Reserve?
- How should the Field of Mars Reserve be managed?
Fieldwork activities
Introduction
Students unpack the inquiry questions that will guide the day’s investigations into rocks, soils, landscapes and human impacts at Field of Mars Reserve. Students review ethical fieldwork practices and identify key working scientifically considerations such as risk management, validity, reliability and sources of error.
Landscape observations
Students investigate how Hawkesbury Sandstone has shaped local landforms and influenced soil formation across the reserve. Using field observations and geographic language, students link visible rock features, slope position and erosion evidence to the processes that create and modify landscapes over time.
Soils
At two contrasting creek/track sites, students examine soil horizons and collect samples to test texture and identify differences between topsoil and subsoil. Students describe parent material influences, record observations in structured tables and evaluate the limitations of their sampling methods.
Students conduct soil pH and soil moisture investigations using field equipment and consistent procedures. Students compare results between sites, calculate averages and interpret how soil chemistry and water availability can influence ecosystem productivity and biodiversity.
Vegetation and habitat features
Students measure key abiotic variables, such as light, temperature and slope and relate these to vegetation structure and habitat elements including leaf litter, fallen timber, rocks and moisture. Students analyse how soil and environmental conditions shape biotic patterns and explain interrelationships using evidence.
Human impacts
Students identify signs of human activity, such as track erosion, exposed subsoil and vegetation disturbance and evaluate consequences for soils and ecosystems. Using a flow-chart systems activity and shared class data processing, students propose evidence-based management strategies for the future and reflect on the most useful methodologies and data sources for deeper investigation.
Location
Field of Mars Reserve
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 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. |
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 |
Schools are responsible for printing student worksheets. |
Supporting resources |
|
Pre-visit learning |
Fieldwork techniques YouTube playlist |
Suggested timetable
Time |
Activities |
| 9.45 - 10.00 | Introduction at centre |
| 10.00 - 10.15 | Break |
| 10.15 - 10.45 | Select equipment and travel to sites |
| 10.45 - 12.45 | Fieldwork at sites 1 and 2 |
| 12.45 - 1.00 | Landscape discussion and return to centre |
| 1.00 - 1.30 | Break |
| 1.30 - 2.15 | Rock grain analysis and Aboriginal quarrying |
| 2.15 | Depart |
Syllabus outcomes and content
Stage 6 Earth and Environmental Science (2017)
Module 1 Earth's resources
Outcomes
A student:
- conducts investigations to collect valid and reliable primary and secondary data and information EES11/12-3
- selects and processes appropriate qualitative and quantitative data and information using a range of appropriate media EES11/12-4
- analyses and evaluates primary and secondary data and information EES11/12-5
- describes the key features of the Earth’s systems, including the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere and how they are interrelated EES11-8
Content
Rocks, Minerals and the Rock Cycle
Inquiry question: What are the components of rocks and soils?
Students:
- investigate the physical properties of minerals that are used to assist in classification
- investigate a range of rocks and minerals and classify samples using dichotomous keys
- explain the formation of rocks as characteristic assemblages of mineral crystals or grains that are formed through igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic processes, as part of the Rock Cycle
- explain the formation of soil in terms of the interaction of atmospheric, geologic, hydrologic and biotic processes
- conduct a practical investigation to examine soil types and component materials
Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2017
Book now
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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.