Lesson 1
Characteristics of places
Learning intention
We are describing the characteristics of places.
Success criteria
We can make a 360º photo sketch to describe the characteristics of urban bushland.
Activity 1 - What are the characteristics of urban bushland?
Bushland is the term we use to describe the natural forests of Australia. These forests and woodlands surround our cities and towns but are also found in urban areas.
So what is urban bushland like? How can we describe its characteristics?
Tasks
- View The Field of Mars Reserve video.
- Write three succinct sentences to describe the bushland found in the Field of Mars Reserve.
The Field of Mars Reserve | Field of Mars EEC (0:57min) | YouTube
Activity 2 - What characteristics can you observe?
Tasks
- View and interact with the 360º image of the entrance road at the Field of Mars Reserve using Google Maps
- Create a T chart with the headings bushland features.
- Make two columns - natural features and built features.
- List the natural and built features identified in the image.
360º image of the entrance road at the Field of Mars Reserve.
Activity 3 - How can we sketch our observations?
Geographers conduct field sketches to record geographic features being observed. We can conduct a 360º field sketch by making a folded view.
Tasks
- View the Folded views video.
- Go to an outdoor area.
- Make a folded view.
Materials needed:
- A square piece of paper
- Compass
- Pencil and clipboard.
Folded views | Field of Mars EEC (1:01min) | YouTube
Activity 4 - How can we conduct virtual fieldwork to learn more about local places?
To best way to learn about places is to conduct geographic fieldwork in the place we are investigating.
If this is not possible we can conduct virtual fieldwork.
Tasks
- View the Virtual fieldwork using Google Maps video.
- Open Google Maps and locate bushland near you.
- Use Street view or the photo spheres to explore.
Create a folded view through virtual fieldwork.
- Begin by using the compass in Google Maps to locate north.
- Sketch the geographic features you observe.
- Continue sketching the east, south and west views.
- Label and annotate your sketch to identify and describe the characteristics of your local bushland.
Virtual fieldwork using Google Maps | Field of Mars EEC (2:01min) | YouTube
Making a folded view. First we need to make our template. Fold your piece of square paper in half and then in half again.
Once you have done this unfold it and fold each of the corners into the centre.
Now it's time to take it outside. Locate your direction. We're going to start facing north. Conduct a field sketch identifying landforms and then adding in any additional features.
Repeat again for east, south and west. When you are finished you can open it up. Your folder view is complete.
End of transcript.
Video transcript
Let's take a look at how we can conduct virtual fieldwork using Google Maps on a computer. First open Google Maps in your browser. You can search for a place on the map or type in a location. Select the satellite image view. The menu in the bottom right of your screen allows you to zoom in and out and to select Pegman our virtual Explorer. Once clicked you will have the option of using Street View or the photosphere. Click on the location you wish to explore. I'm going to take a look at Sugarloaf Hill in the Lane Cove National Park. Click and hold your mouse or trackpad to move around the scene. You can use the zoom functions as well as the compass to locate North. Another way to explore is to scroll down the information panel. Select the 360º view to explore further. Here I'm using the arrows and crosses in Street View to move through the area.
Now let's take a look and see how we can use a device. Again select Google Maps. Search or type in the location. Select 360º image on the screen and use your fingers to move and zoom as you wish. Once again you can use the information panel to explore. Select photos 360º view and away you go. You can also use the Google Street View app to conduct your virtual explorations. Zoom in to see the multiple images available for view or select to explore a specific site. Here I'm in the Field of Mars Reserve. Oh, what a lovely place.
End of transcript.