Field Study School Excursions - Sydney - Geography

Year 11 Geography
Earth’s natural systems

Available for delivery from 2024

Choose from a variety of locations in which to collect primary data about atmospheric, hydrological, geomorphic and ecological systems and their functioning.

HAWKESBURY SANDSTONE BUSHLAND SYSTEMS
Bantry Bay, Forestville
Camp Coutts, Waterfall
Camp Kedron, Ingleside

Students investigate the distinctive physical features of the Hawkesbury Sandstone ecosystem to inspire curiosity and wonder for this unique environment. By reflecting on people’s connection to the natural world, students will develop an understanding of the intrinsic value of this environment and can apply geographical understanding in the contemporary world by examining bushland protection and bushfire hazard mitigation.

Examination of the atmospheric, hydrological, geomorphic, and ecological systems of this ecosystem will be undertaken using a variety of geographical inquiry skills and tools including fieldwork for primary data collection and the use of secondary sources such as maps, aerial photos and soil charts.

Fieldwork focus, techniques and equipment may include:
- Soil formation & characteristics using hand lenses and depth spikes
- Catchment functioning & runoff patterns to measure soil moisture levels, creek turbidity, surface velocity and flow rate
- Energy flow by examining leaf litter organisms and/or aquatic macroinvertebrates

INTERTIDAL WETLAND SYSTEMS
Botany Bay, Kurnell

Students investigate the distinctive physical features of this estuarine wetland ecosystem to develop a connection and understanding for this unique environment. Students will learn the value of this environment and can apply geographical understanding in the contemporary world by examining local council maintenance and environmental laws for wetland protection.

Examination of the atmospheric, hydrological, geomorphic, and ecological systems of this ecosystem will be undertaken using a variety of geographical inquiry skills and tools including fieldwork for primary data collection and the use of secondary sources such as maps, aerial photos and soil charts.

Fieldwork focus, techniques and equipment may include:
- Soil movement and characteristics using hand lenses
- Weather systems and water movement patterns and factors including temperature and salinity
- Nutrient cycles, biological productivity and species migration through observation and animal catches in the seagrass and mangroves

COASTAL DUNE SYSTEMS
Long Reef, Collaroy
Wanda Beach, Cronulla

Students investigate the distinctive physical features of this coastal sand dune environment to inspire curiosity and wonder for this unique area. By reflecting on people’s connection to the natural world students will develop an understanding of the intrinsic value of this environment and can apply geographical understanding in the contemporary world by examining local council maintenance of coastal areas.

Examination of the atmospheric, hydrological, geomorphic, and ecological systems of this environment will be undertaken using a variety of geographical inquiry skills and tools including fieldwork for primary data collection and the use of secondary sources such as maps, aerial photos and soil charts.

Fieldwork focus, techniques and equipment may include:
- Soil movement and characteristics using hand lenses, and sand dune sediment analysis using sand sieves
- Weather systems and wind speed measurements using anemometers.
- Nutrient cycles, biological productivity and species migration through observation, plant identification and animal catch in the sand dunes.
- Examination of invasive plant and/or animal species and their impact on coastal sand dunes

Optional Extra: Human-Environment Interactions - East Coast Low Storm Damage in the Sydney Metropolitan Beaches Region
Students will use historical photos and aerial photos to investigate coastal processes, human impacts and the management strategies for coastal erosion mitigation.

RAINFOREST SYSTEMS
Mt Keira, Wollongong
Combined program with Human-environment Interactions Study 2: A contemporary hazard - Landslides

Students investigate the distinctive physical features of this relatively rare Australian sub-tropical rainforest ecosystem to appreciate this unique environment. By reflecting on connection to the natural world students will develop an understanding of this environment and can apply geographical understanding to the contemporary world by examining patterns of human settlement and landslide hazard mitigation techniques.

Examination of the atmospheric, hydrological, geomorphic, and ecological systems of this ecosystem will be undertaken using a variety of geographical inquiry skills and tools including fieldwork for primary data collection and the use of secondary sources such as maps, aerial photos and soil charts.

Fieldwork focus, techniques and equipment may include:
- Soil formation and characteristics using a soil centrifuge, hand lenses, depth spikes and soil moisture meters to compare an open forest and a rainforest and observe the factors that influence the occurrence of landslides in the area.
- Biological productivity, nutrient cycles and energy flow by examining leaf litter, and conducting an animal catch

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