Location | Field of Mars Reserve, Pittwater Road, East Ryde Wallumedegal Country |
Bus access | Supply bus driver with Field of Mars Reserve bus information No bus entry into Field of Mars Reserve. |
Cost | DoE $25 per student - GST free Non-gov school cost $35 per student - GST free, minimum charge $700 |
Risk assessment | Risk management plan COVID-19 safety plan |
Tracks | View the YouTube track overview videos |
Welfare | Participants will be bushwalking all day in rugged terrain. Limited wheelchair accessibility. This excursion may not be suitable for people who have recently been unwell. Toilets are only available at the beginning and end of the day. |
Bring | Writing materials, mobile device for audiovisual recording, medications, low-waste food, two water bottles, sunblock, hat and raincoat in a backpack. Sports uniform recommended. There are no shops. |
View | Preparing for an excursion |
Worksheet | The worksheet is available for view at the time of booking. |
Supporting resources | |
Bin access | All student waste to be taken home by students. |
Medical or special needs | Notify Field of Mars staff prior to excursion. Students, staff and visitors must not attend if unwell, even with mild symptoms. |
Extreme or wet weather | Days predicted to be above 35ºC, high winds, extreme bush fire danger and dust storms may result in the excursion being modified, postponed or cancelled. |
Cancellations | Cancellations with less than four school weeks' notice will incur a $500 administration fee. This does not apply to cancellations due to weather or fire danger. |
Time |
Activities |
9.30 - 10.45 |
Arrival and introduction at Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre Activity 1 - Meet a tree |
10.45 - 11.00 | Recess and toilets |
11.00 - 1.00 |
Activity 2 - Guided investigation of the Eucalypt forest - abiotic and biotic testing Activity 3 - Data analysis and communication task - processes, cycles and circulations |
1.00 - 1.30 |
Lunch at the Field of Mars Reserve |
1.30 - 2.00 |
Activity 4 - Self-directed investigation of the Eucalypt forest |
2.00 - 2.15 | Conclusion and depart |
Students will work in small groups to undertake geographic inquiry in the field.
Geographic questions that focus on the characteristics and functioning of the natural systems in a forest environment will be asked and data will be collected using different fieldwork and sampling techniques. This data will be analysed to identify the processes, cycles and circulations that shape the forest environment. Conclusions are made on how connections between natural systems influence the establishment of vegetation communities at the Field of Mars Reserve.
Inquiry questions
Fieldwork
Activity 1 - Introduction and meet a tree
Students will assemble at the centre and be introduced to the fieldwork inquiry questions for the day.
Students are introduced to common keystone tree species found in the eucalypt forest at the Field of Mars Reserve. Students will learn nature journaling techniques as a means for observing and recording the features of a tree, and understanding the processes and cycles involved in its functioning as a primary producer.
Activity 2 - Guided investigation of the Eucalypt forest
Students will visit the dry sclerophyll eucalypt forest and use a range of sampling methodologies and fieldwork instruments to collect primary data on abiotic and biotic factors characterising the four natural systems (atmospheric, hydrological, geomorphic, ecological) including temperature, humidity, soil characteristics, soil moisture, soil depth, slope, and vegetation abundance and growth.
Activity 3 - Data analysis and communication task
Students will be guided through an interpretation of their results for each site to identify the key processes, cycles and circulations connecting natural systems in the forest. Graphic organisers will be used to facilitate students in communicating their geographical understanding.
Activity 4 - Self-directed investigation
Students will plan their own fieldwork investigation comparing the productivity of different forest types found within the eucalypt forest. Sources such as maps and spatial data will be examined to stimulate student inquiry. Students refine their skills in using fieldwork instruments and sampling methodologies as they carry out their investigation in the wet sclerophyll eucalypt forest.
View the Earth's natural systems - Eucalypt forest at the Field of Mars Reserve Google site for:
Geography 11–12 Syllabus (2022)
Outcomes
Content
Overview of the uniqueness and diversity of the Earth
Nature as a source of wonder
People’s connection to the natural world and why it can vary
Processes, cycles and circulations connecting natural systems
Characteristics of Earth’s natural systems and factors affecting their functioning
The processes, cycles and circulations connecting natural systems, including atmospheric systems, hydrological systems, geomorphic systems and ecological systems
address
Field of Mars Reserve
Pittwater Road
East Ryde NSW 2112
telephone 02 9816 1298
We’d like to acknowledge the Wallumedegal Peoples of the Darug Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we stand and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
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