Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre

Experience Engage Enable

Telephone02 9816 1298

Emailfieldofmar-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Water in the world excursion program

Teacher checklist

Main location

Great North Walk - Central walk

2 classes 

Start - Magdala Park, Magdala Rd, East Ryde

Finish - Buffalo Creek Reserve, Pittwater Rd, Hunters Hill

2 classes 

Start - Buffalo Creek Reserve, Pittwater Rd, Hunters Hill

Finish - Magdala Park, Magdala Rd, East Ryde

Wallumedegal Country

Supply driver with

Magdala Park bus information

Buffalo Creek Reserve bus information

Central walk risk management plan

Watch the YouTube track overview video.

Buffalo Creek Reserve to Magdala Park

Additional location

Great North Walk - Southern walk

2 classes

Start - Boronia Park, Park Rd, Hunters Hill  

Finish - Buffalo Creek Reserve, Pittwater Rd, Hunters Hill 

2 classes

Start - Buffalo Creek Reserve, Pittwater Rd, Hunters Hill 

Finish - Boronia Park, Park Rd, Hunters Hill

Wallumedegal Country

Supply driver with

Buffalo Creek Reserve bus information

Boronia Park bus information

Southern walk risk management plan

Watch the YouTube track overview video.

Boronia Park to Buffalo Creek Reserve
Please contact the centre for detailed information on locations, bus access and public transport options
Cost

2025 DoE $26 per student - GST free

2025 Non-gov school cost $36 per student - GST free, minimum charge $750

Schools are to confirm the number of students and classes at least 7 days prior to attending. Schools will be charged based on the number of students confirmed or number of students who attend on the day (whichever is greater). 

Welfare

Participants will be bushwalking all day in rugged terrain.

No wheelchair accessibility. 

This excursion may not be suitable for people who have been recently unwell.

Toilets are only available at the beginning and end of the day.

Worksheet

Worksheets are available for viewing upon booking.

Schools are responsible for printing student worksheets.

Bring Clipboard, pencil, medications, low-waste food, two water bottles, sunblock, hat and raincoat in a backpack. Sports uniform recommended. There are no shops.
Preparation Preparing for an excursion
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 30 working school days notice will incur a $600 administration fee. 

Cancellations with less than 7 working school days notice will incur the full cost for the program based on the original booking. 

Cancellations due to weather or fire danger are exempt from fees. 


Suggested timetable

 
Exact times may vary.

Time

Activites

9.45 - 10.15

Introduction at selected location

Recess, toilets and equipment distributed

10.15 - 12:00 Bushwalk and activities
12.00 - 12.30

Lunch at a scenic spot on the Lane Cove River

12.30 - 2.00

Bushwalk and activities

2.00 - 2.15

Toilets and depart at final destination


Water in the world excursion

Geography

Program

Stage 4 students journey along the Lane Cove River observing various natural water resources and investigating hydrological processes that move water through a catchment. Fieldwork tools and techniques will be used to collect qualitative and quantitative data that will allow students to identify factors influencing water flows and evaluate strategies to manage catchment areas for sustainability. The study site will stimulate student thinking on the value of water to people, with particular reference to Aboriginal perspectives.

Inquiry questions

  • What hydrological processes move water through a catchment?
  • What factors influence water flows into the Lane Cove River?
  • How do people value water today and in the past?
  • What strategies can be used to manage catchment areas for sustainability?

Fieldwork

Students will engage in a variety of fieldwork activities using a variety of geographical tools. Fieldwork activities are supported by a student booklet which encourages students to record geographical information in a variety of ways. 

Using maps, field sketching, and tactile graphics and models, students investigate the hydrological processes that move water through a catchment. This is supported with the use of scientific equipment to test water quality, collecting quantitative data on the human impacts on water flows and water quality.

Through hands-on activities and observation of artefacts, students gain an experiential understanding of the cultural and spiritual value of water Country for Aboriginal Peoples.

To conclude, students will observe management strategies that protect the Lane Cove River and will be encouraged to consider how they can positively impact their local waterways.

Throughout the day students will be encouraged to connect at a personal level with the natural environments around them in order to promote positive wellbeing and foster a sense of custodianship.



Syllabus outcomes and content

NSW Geography 7–10 Syllabus (2024) 

Outcomes 

  • locates the diverse features and describes the characteristics of a range of places and environments GE4-DFC-01
  • explains the processes and interactions that change people, places and environments GE4-PRI-01
  • explains the management and protection of places and environments GE4-MAN-01
  • explains Aboriginal Peoples’ Custodianship, care and management of Country GE4-APC-01
  • selects and uses geographical tools to acquire and process geographical information GE4-TAP-01

Content 

Thinking and working geographically

  • Use relevant geographical concepts
  • Engage in geographical inquiry using geographical information
  • Use relevant geographical tools

Water resources and their value

  • Hydrological processes that move water through a catchment area
  • Factors influencing water flows and the availability of water resources in different places
  • The economic, cultural, spiritual and aesthetic value of water

Geography 7–10 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2024


Syllabus outcomes and content

NSW Geography K–10 Syllabus (2015) 

Outcomes 

  • locates and describes the diverse features and characteristics of a range of places and environments GE4-1 
  • describes processes and influences that form and transform places and environments GE4-2 
  • examines perspectives of people and organisations on a range of geographical issues GE4-4 
  • discusses management of places and environments for their sustainability GE4-5 
  • acquires and processes geographical information by selecting and using geographical tools for inquiry GE4-7 
  • communicates geographical information using a variety of strategies GE4-8 

Content 

Water resources

Students:

  • investigate the characteristics and spatial distribution of global water resources

Water scarcity and management

Students:

  • investigate the nature of water scarcity and ways of overcoming it

The value of water

Students:

  • investigate the economic, cultural, spiritual and aesthetic values of water for people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and/or peoples of the Asia region

Geography K–10 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2015