Geography- Earth's natural systems
Dudley Campus
Program
Students walk through four distinct vegetation communities in Awabakal Nature Reserve collecting primary data on the four systems. Students discuss the interactions between systems and observe threats and management.
Activities:
- Data collection of the atmospheric, hydrological, geomorphic and ecological systems using fieldwork instruments in four vegetation communities. Students analyse data and construct a flow chart to show connections between systems at each location.
- Construction of a vegetation transect and use of a quadrat to observe vegetation in each vegetation community.
- Analysis of the values of this coastal bushland ecosystem and how these have changed over time.
- Observation and examination of issues, threats and management to this coastal bushland ecosystem.
Equipment used during the program includes: hygrometer, anemometer, compass, turbidity tube, soil pH and moisture equipment, kestrel, clinometer, lux meter, data logger, GPS and a variety of maps.
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.
Awabakal Environmental Education Centre- Dudley Campus, 51 Boundary Street, Dudley and Awabakal Nature Reserve.
The excursion starts at Awabakal Environmental Education Centre at 10:00am. Students conduct field work in Awabakal Nature Reserve. The walk is approximately 3 km on well-defined bush tracks. Toilet facilities are available on the grounds of Awabakal Environmenta Education Centre before, at recess and at the end of the excursion.
| 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 |
Students are dropped off at Awabakal Environmental Education Centre (AEEC), 51 Boundary Street, Dudley at 10.00am. Buses collect students from the end of Ocean Street, Dudley at 2:00pm. |
| 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 - 10:00am
Data collection - 10:30am
Recess - 11:00am
Walk and data collection - 11:15am
Lunch - 1:00pm
Walk and data collection - 1:20pm
Finish - 2:00pm
This timetable is only a guide and may be adjusted.
|
Geography outcomes A student:
|
|
Content Overview of the uniqueness and diversity of the Earth
Processes, cycles and circulations connecting natural systems
The processes, cycles and circulations connecting natural systems including:
|