Stage 2
Students investigate their local environment on their school grounds, in a local reserve or National Park.
Students conduct a geographical inquiry into the features and characteristics of the local environment and how we can use the environment sustainably.
Activities:
- Sit spot and nature journaling
- Weather measurements and observation
- Native animal survey
- Drawing and construction of nature maps
For further information on curriculum links, program and excursion information see below or contact us.
Further Information
Location
This program can be delivered on your school grounds, in a local reserve or National Park. The location will be arranged in consultation with Awabakal Environmental Education Centre Teachers to determine the suitability of a location. Alternatively this program can be delivered at Awabakal Environmental Education Centre- Dudley Campus, 51 Boundary Street, Dudley, NSW.
Syllabus outcomes and content
Stage 2 Geography outcomes
Places are similar and different:
A student:
- examines features and characteristics of places and environments GE2-1
- describes the ways people, places and environments interact GE2-2
- acquires and communicates geographical information using geographical tools for inquiry GE2-4
Key inquiry questions
The earth’s environment:
- How does the environment support the lives of people and other living things?
- How can people use places and environments more sustainably?
Content
Different environments
Students:
- investigate the natural characteristics of Australia and a country in Asia, for example: comparison of climate, natural vegetation and native animals
Significance of environments
Students:
- investigate the importance of natural vegetation and natural resources to the environment, animals and people, for example:
- identification of types of natural vegetation eg forests, grasslands, deserts
- explanation of the importance of natural vegetation to animals and the functioning of the environment eg provision of habitats, production of oxygen
- discussion of the importance of natural vegetation and natural resources to people eg provision of food, medicine, fuel, timbers, fibres, metals
Protection of environments
Students:
- investigate sustainable practices that protect environments, including those of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, for example:
- examination of how environments can be used sustainably eg sustainable agricultural, commercial, recreational practices
- examination of how the practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples support the sustainable use of environments eg use of resources
Learning across the curriculum
Sustainability
Numeracy
Civics and citizenship
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures
Literacy
Bus information
This will vary depending on the chosen excursion location.
What to bring
Printed workbook, clipboard and pencil.
Students should bring lunch, recess, refillable water bottle, hats, sunscreen, covered walking shoes plus any special requirements of the group (Wet weather gear when necessary). Non-aerosol insect repellent is advisable in summer.
Sample timetable
Introduction - 10:00 am
Morning tea - 10:10 am
Two learning activities - 10:30am
Lunch - 12:00pm
Two learning activties - 12:30pm
Finish- 2:00pm
This timetable is only a guide and may be adjusted.
Supervision
AEEC is a NSW Department of Education school and staff are trained DoE teachers specialising in Environmental Education.
AEEC teachers rely on the participation of visiting teachers to meet recommended supervision levels. Visiting teachers are ultimately responsible for behaviour of students, students with existing medical conditions or special needs.
Medical or special needs
Please notify Awabakal Environmental Education Centre of any medical conditions or special needs that may need to be taken into consideration when planning or delivering the program. Upon booking an excursion, a form will be emailed to complete to detail any medical or special needs.
Parent / carer helpers
As our staff are Department of Education teachers we don’t require parent helpers on the day. If your school decides to bring parents, we kindly ask that you keep the number to a minimum. For safety reasons and the nature of our sites, parents will not be able to participate in activities.
Extreme or wet weather
Extreme weather conditions such as heavy rainfall, high winds and extreme bush fire danger may result in the excursion being modified, postponed or cancelled. If you have any concerns regarding the weather prior to the excursion, contact Awabakal Environmental Education Centre on 4955 8673 or email awabakal-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au.
Cancellations
Cancellations less than three school weeks notice may incur an administration fee. This does not apply to cancellations due to weather or fire danger.
Bookings
For bookings click here.