Learning activities
With a focus on fieldwork 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 and cycles that shape the forest environment. Conclusions are made on how connections between natural systems influence the establishment of different forest types at the Field of Mars Reserve.
Fieldwork inquiry questions
What are the characteristics of the ecological, atmospheric, hydrological and geomorphic systems that make up the eucalypt forest at the Field of Mars Reserve?
How do natural processes and cycles influence primary productivity of the eucalypt forest at the Field of Mars Reserve?
How do people value and connect with nature in an urban setting?
Fieldwork
Activity 1 - Introduction
Students will be introduced to the fieldwork inquiry questions for the day. Sources such as 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.
Activity 2 - Sensory observations
The day commences with mindful multi-sensory observation to encourage deep thinking to illict geographical fieldwork inquiry. Students will use scaffolded field journaling techniques to record their observations of the nature systems at play in the Field of Mars parklands.
Students will be guided through the planning process for fieldwork investigations including ethical considerations, equipment and methodologies and preparing for outdoor activities.
Activity 3 - Systematic sampling
Students will bushwalk to two locations 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 4 - Analysis and communicating understanding
Students will be guided through a comparison of their results for each site to identify the key processes and cycles connecting natural systems within the forest. Students will use these to explain differences in forest types at these two sites.
Graphic organisers will be used to facilitate students in communicating their geographical understanding.
Throughout the day students will be encouraged to consider their own connections to nature to understand how people value and connect to nature on a larger scale.
