Earth's environment: National parks excursion
Geography
Program
During this Stage 2 excursion students will investigate how Lane Cove National Park is perceived, valued and protected. On a bushwalk through the diverse eucalyptus and mangrove forest environments in Lane Cove National Park. Students will stop at a variety of sites to explore and record the natural and human features of the reserve including plants, animals, uses, challenges, values and management strategies.
Students investigate the importance of the natural vegetation and resources of the Lane Cove National Park to better understand why and how these places should be managed and protected.
Learning intentions
- We are learning to observe and record natural characteristics of the environment.
- We are learning to describe interactions between plants and animals in the environment.
- We are learning about how National Parks are managed and why they should be protected.
Activities
Bushwalk activities
Students will observe the features, variety of living things, human uses and management of the environments in Lane Cove National Park. Through teacher-led and student-directed activities students will develop their understanding of the importance of the national park. Strategies that protect the park will be highlighted throughout the walk.
Recording their observations in a take-home field journal, students will use a variety of fieldwork tools to gather information. These will include sensory observation of plants and animals, and recording through sketching, mapping, watercolour and tallies. Students will also work independently guided by task cards catering for a variety of learning styles.
Concluding activity
To conclude the day the values of national parks and reserves will be explored through reflection and discussion. Students reflect on their perceptions of Lane Cove National Park and debate why the area should or should not be protected.
