Experience Engage Enable
T: Telephone02 9816 1298
| 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 $600 |
| 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 - 10.00 |
Arrival and introduction at Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre |
| 10.00 - 10.20 | Recess and toilets |
10.30 - 1.00 |
Investigating the Coastal Enriched Sandstone Dry Forest at the Field of Mars Reserve |
1.00 - 1.30 |
Lunch at the Field of Mars Reserve |
1.30 - 2.00 |
Data analysis and communication task |
| 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.
Fieldwork
Activity 1 - Introduction
Students will assemble at the centre and be introduced to the day’s investigations.
Students will learn nature journaling techniques as a means for developing an understanding of the value of nature and connection between people and forests.
Students will be introduced to the fieldwork inquiry questions for the day. Sources such as plans of management, 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. Maps, diagrams and other secondary resources will be used to support student understanding.
Activity 2 - Fieldwork
Students will visit two locations in the Coastal Enriched Sandstone Dry Forest in the Field of Mars Reserve. At each site, students will 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, aspect and vegetation abundance and growth.
Activity 3 - Analysis and communicating understanding
Students will be guided through a comparison of their results for each site to identify the key processes, cycles and circulations connecting natural systems in the forest. Students will use these to explain differences in vegetation communities at these two sites.
Graphic organisers will be used to facilitate students in communicating their geographical understanding.
Geography Stage 6 Syllabus (2023)
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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