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
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 1 - Field journalling
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 natural systems at play in the Field of Mars parklands.
Activity 2 - Investigating the eucalypt forest (guided inquiry)
Students will conduct systematic sampling of the dry sclerophyll forest in the Field of Mars Reserve. They will use a range of fieldwork instruments and techniques to collect primary data on abiotic and biotic factors characterising the four natural systems (atmospheric, hydrological, geomorphic, ecological) including temperature, humidity, soil texture, soil moisture, soil depth, and vegetation abundance and growth.
Graphic organisers will be used to interpret results and consolidate students' geographical understanding of the characteristics of the dry sclerophyll forest according to the four natural systems, as well as the process and cycles that underpin forest functioning.
Activity 3 - Comparing forest types (self-directed inquiry)
Through a guided analysis of secondary data, students will describe different forest types present in the Field of Mars Reserve. Students will apply their understanding of processes and cycles to develop their own fieldwork investigation comparing the natural systems of the wet and dry sclerophyll forests. Students will use their results to explain differences in primary productivity and justify the spatial distribution of the wet sclerophyll forest.
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.
