Water in the World
Geography
Program
Students will investigate the importance of water in our world with a focus on a wetland ecosystem. They will investigate water quality through practical testing, analyse how weather and climate impact on ecosystems, and learn about Aboriginal value of water and land management practices that have sustained wetlands for generations. Using GPS technology, students will develop Geographic skills in mapping and navigation. Investigation of local catchment areas will develop understanding of water flow and resource management. Students will also examine how different people value wetlands and explore the challenges of managing water sustainably in today’s world. This hands-on experience will deepen their understanding of water as a critical resource and inspire them to think critically about protecting our environment for the future.
Activities:
- Students use dip nets to collect aquatic macroinvertebrate organisms from the wetland, determine species sensitivity and examine influences on this environment.
- Students will identify different plant species and discover their benefits to the environment along with uses by Aboriginal people.
- Students will learn about the history of this location and the catchment. Water quality at two locations will be measured. Issues and management of water quality will be examined.
- Students will measure different elements of weather on the day and compare this to average climate data. The Awabakal Seasonal Calendar will be examined to examine its use locally for sustainable management of the ecosystem.
- Students will compete in a Geocache activity using a GPS and compass to navigate their way around this wetland ecosystem. They will develop skills in navigation and map use while learning about this site and impacts.
The basic program will be changed to suit the group size and weather conditions.
For further information on curriculum links, the program and excursion information see below or contact us.
| What to bring |
Printed worksheets in colour, 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. |
| Bus information |
Drop off and collection Awabakal Environmental Education Centre, Wetlands Campus located at Hunter Wetlands Centre, 412 Sandgate Rd, Shortland, Newcastle. Please use School entry. |
| 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 with less than three school weeks notice may incur an administration fee. This does not apply to cancellations due to weather or fire danger. |
Introduction - 10:00 am
Morning tea - 10:20 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.
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Geography outcomes A student:
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Key inquiry questions Water in our World
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Content Water resources and their value
Water scarcity and water management
Maps
Fieldwork Fieldwork instruments are to be integrated into Stage 4 as appropriate: compasses, global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), measuring equipment, weather instruments, identification charts, testing equipment and photographic devices.
Data and graphs
Spatial technologies Spatial technologies are to be integrated into Stage 4 as appropriate: virtual or digital maps, satellite images, global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), augmented reality and virtual reality.
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