Learning activities
Students will work in pairs or groups to undertake geographic inquiry in the field. Geographic questions that focus on environmental functioning and management will be asked and data will be collected using different fieldwork techniques. Conclusions are made to help inform the sustainable management of forest environments within Lane Cove National Park.
Inquiry questions
How do the components of the biophysical environment, and people, interact in the forest in the Magdala Park bushland?
How diverse are the ecosystems in the wildlife corridor along the Lane Cove River from the Magdala Park bushland to Sugarloaf Point and how are they managed?
How diverse are the bird species at Sugarloaf Hill?
How does the biophysical environment and the activities of people impact the Powerful Owl, a threatened species found within the National Park in the Magdala Park bushland and Sugarloaf Hill?
Fieldwork
Introduction - Magdala Park
Students will assemble in Magdala Park and be introduced to the day’s fieldwork investigations. Sources such as plans of management, past and present photographs, maps and spatial data will be examined to stimulate student inquiry. Students will be guided through the planning process for fieldwork investigations including ethical considerations, equipment and methodologies and preparing for outdoor activities.
Site 1 - Magdala Park
Students will investigate the forests on the ridge at Magdala Park. These forests have been classified as Sydney Coastal Dry Sclerophyll Forests on sandstone ridges and gullies.
Students will use scientific equipment and observation to identify abiotic and biotic features of the forest. An investigation into plant adaptive features and human impacts will be conducted. Global and local factors for the establishment of the vegetation community will be assessed. Conclusions will be drawn by creating flow charts that recognise the interactions between the different components of the biophysical environment and people’s impacts.
Site 2 - The Great North Walk
As students walk from site 1 to site 3 they will identify different ecosystems, plant communities and habitats. Students will collect data on ecosystem diversity and make observations on the ways people influence the environment. Digital and non-digital methods will be used.
Site 3 - Great North Walk Sugarloaf Hill
Students will assess biodiversity on The Sugarloaf by conducting a systematic bird survey. Mathematical techniques to quantify species diversity will be employed. An investigation on ways the biophysical environment and the activities of people impact threatened species will be undertaken. Conclusions on biodiversity and appropriate management strategies will be considered.
Site 4 - Buffalo Creek Reserve
Students will work in teams to collate and analyse fieldwork data. Students present their findings and offer solutions for managing biodiversity sustainably in urban bushland areas.
Students will reflect on the inquiry and options for follow up investigations are provided.
