Learning activities
Students explore the diverse and dynamic suburb of Meadowbank to engage in place-based inquiry examining the cultural, social, economic, infrastructural and environmental factors that influence its liveability. The excursion commences with a panoramic view of the suburb to contextualise the study. Students conduct a liveability survey, stopping at sites of interest to collect qualitative and quantitative data using specialised fieldwork equipment. This data will be analysed and discussed with respect to varying perceptions of liveability.
Inquiry questions
- How can we measure, assess and rank liveability?
- What effect does environmental quality, access to services and facilities, and social connectedness have on the liveability of Meadowbank?
- How might perceptions of liveability differ between social groups?
Fieldwork activities
This program offers Stage 4 students with an authentic opportunity to develop their fieldwork skills and use specialised scientific equipment. Students will engage in multiple fieldwork activities using digital and non-digital geographic tools to measure, assess and evaluate the liveability of Meadowbank and the Parramatta River foreshore.
Mapping and field sketch
The excursion commences with exploratory and observational activities which develop students' sense of place. Students will examine a map of the location, conduct a field sketch of the whole study area, and make predictions as they draw visual comparisons.
Liveability and community survey
Students will conduct a walking survey of Shepherds Bay in Meadowbank to quantify and qualify the built and natural features of the suburb across a range of liveability criteria including social, cultural, economic and environmental factors. Students will use scientific equipment to measure environmental quality including light, sound, wind speed, and temperature in two sites.
Living river assessment
Students engage in a case study of swimming in the Parramatta River, using historical photos and water quality testing methods to examine how urbanisation has impacted environmental quality, and how this in turn has impacted liveability for surrounding suburbs.
Data processing and reflection
Through discussion, students will collectively analyse their data and draw personal evaluations on the liveability of each study site. Students will be encouraged to engage in deep thinking as they reflect of their own perceptions of liveability and how this influences conclusions drawn.
