Learning activities
Students will work in small groups to undertake geographic inquiry in the field.
Geographic questions that focus on the characteristics and influences of place and cultural change in an inner city location will be asked and data will be collected using different fieldwork and sampling techniques. This data will be analysed to identify the influences of past and current cultural change, and perceptions of and responses to these changes.
Fieldwork inquiry questions
- What are the cultural characteristics of Marrickville?
- How has the movement of people (migration) influenced the culture of Marrickville?
- How is human wellbeing integrated in the culture of Marrickville?
- What are the perceptions of cultural continuity and change in Marrickville?
- What fieldwork methods can be used to investigate the culture of a place?
Fieldwork
Introduction
Students will be introduced to the fieldwork inquiry questions for the day. 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 1 - Spatial and cultural characteristics
Students will first engage in a range of discovery fieldwork activities to Marrickville as a place and its culture.
Activity 2 - Re-photography
Students will re-photograph sites of interest to examine how Marrickville and its culture has changed over time.
Students will analyse a timeline of place and cultural change in Marrickville to identify the demographic processes of immigration and gentrification as key influences on culture and cultural change
Activity 3 - Random point sampling
Using observations, photography and fieldwork instruments, students will conduct random point sampling to examine the cultural characteristics of Marrickville including streetscape, architecture, colours, noise, and streetlife.
Students will use this data to describe the influence of immigration and gentrification on the cultural identity of Marrickville, and draw conclusions relating to cultural continuity and change. Students will also use their data to identify strategies and opportunities for enhancing human wellbeing in line with the cultural characteristics of place.
Activity 4 - Field photography
Students will go on a photo hunt demonstrating the impact of immigration and gentrification on the cultural landscape of Marrickville.
Lunch
Students are encouraged to immerse themselves in the culture of Marrickville by undertaking a 'food tour', eating from local restaurants and cafes.
Activity 5 - Perceptions of and responses to culture and cultural change
Students will use questionnaires to interview people on their perceptions of and responses to cultural continuity and change in the area.
Please note, students will require a mobile device to record data. Please advise Field of Mars EEC in advance if adjustments are required.
