Earth’s resources excursion
Earth and Environmental Science
Program
Students will work in small groups to undertake scientific fieldwork at numerous study sites within the dramatic outcrops and benches of the Hawkesbury Sandstone sedimentary landscape, it's associated soils and diverse vegetation communities.
They will investigate questions that focus primarily on the the classification and composition of rocks and soils, biotic and abiotic influences, human impacts and the practice of working scientifically in a fieldwork setting.
Data will be collected using a variety of fieldwork and sampling techniques, then processed and analysed to identify and communicate the interactions between the component minerology, geomorphology and biology and how this influences the work of land managers.
During the investigation process students will:
- Question, identify data sources and prepare a fieldwork investigation plan
- Collect, process and analyse first-hand fieldwork data and information.
- Investigate and communicate the specifics of soil interactions and some environmental impacts due to human activities.(explanations are usually related back to the level of mineral properties)
- Investigate uses of rock and mineral resources by Aboriginal peoples.
The fieldwork can also include a study of two local flora/fauna species that investigates how the geology of the area has been informed the species' distribution and abundance.
Maximum 2 classes per day.
Location
