Students doing a field sketch of Cockle Creek from a lookout

S4 Landscapes and landforms

Geography

Information sign at an Aboriginal engraving site overlooking Pittwater
Student using a kestrel to measure abiotic features

Program

The Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park of northern Sydney includes both natural and human landscapes.

During the day, students will identify and describe the features of the riverine or coastal landscape, investigate the human landscape including how the area is currently used, how it is valued by different groups and the impacts of change over time on the landscape.

Throughout the day, they will use geographical including maps, field sketches and measuring temperature, humidity, soil pH and gradient.

Learning intentions

Students are learning about:

Key information

Learning activities

Map study

The day commences with the students orientating themselves using a compass and topographic map. Students will be required to locate grid coordinates, estimate distance and describe the topography of the days journey.

Bush walk

During the walk, the students will explore parts of the park to identify the different ways people use and value the area. This will also provide them with an opportunity to consider what they value in this area.

Aboriginal histories and cultures

The students will visit and learn about an Aboriginal engraving site to learn about the cultural value of the landscape and landforms to the traditional owners of the area.

Field sketch

The students will visit a lookout with views over the landscape. There they will complete a field study sketch and cross-section to identify the landforms and describe the geomorphic processes that shape this area.

Geographical tools

The students will use a range of geographical tools to investigate the geomorphic landscape and how this affects the biotic landscape. This includes measuring temperature, humidity, soil pH and gradient.

Investigation of a human landscape

Students will learn about how the landscape has changed over time and describe the impact this has had on the landscape.

Students will list some of the human uses of the investigation area and describe how it is managed and protected.

Suggested timetable

Time Class A, B Class C, D
10.00am

Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome, Overview of the day

Map study

10.20am Morning Tea
10.30am

Bush walk

Traditional sites visit

Field sketch

Geographical tools

11.45am

Field sketch

Geographical tools

Bush walk

Traditional sites visit

1.00pm Lunch
1.30pm Human use and management
2.00pm Conclusion and depart

* Please call the centre if you have more than 4 classes

With multiple locations, the school is able to host up to 8 classes on one day

Syllabus outcomes

Geography 7-10 Syllabus (2015)

Outcomes

  • GE4-1 locates and describes the diverse features and characetristcis of a range of places and environments
  • GE4-2 describes processes and influences that form and transfrom places and environments
  • GE4-4 examines perspectives of people and organisations on a range of geographical issues
  • GE4-5 discusses management of places and environments for their sustainability
  • GE4-7 acquires and processes geographical information by selecting and using geographical tools for inquiry

Content

Landscapes and landforms

Students:

  • investigate different landscapes and the geomorphic processes that create distinctive landforms, for example: (ACHGK048, ACHGK050)

    • idenification of a variety of landscapes and landforms
    • explanation of geomorphic processes that create landforms eg weathering, erosion, deposition
    • examination of ONE landscape and its distinctive landforms
Value of landscapes and landforms

Students:

  • investigate the aesthetic, cultural, spiritual and economic value of landscapes and landforms for people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, for example: (ACHGK049)

    • explanantion of the aesthic value of landscapes and landforms to culture and identity
    • description of the cultural and spiritual value of landscapes and landforms in different places
Changing landscapes

Students:

  • investigate the human causes and effects of landscape degradation, for example: (ACHGK051)

    • identification of the ways that people utilise and change landscapes
    • description of the impact of a range of human activities on landscapes
Landscape management and protection

Students:

  • investigate ways people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Manage and protect landscapes, for example: (ACHGK052)

    • description of the naturer and extent of landscape protection across a range of scales eg locally protected places, national parks
    • examination of management and protection strategies for ONE landscape
Geographical tools

Maps (M) - topographic maps, maps to identify direction, scale and distance, grid reference, altitude, contour lines, gradient

Fieldwork (F) - observing, measuring, collecting and recording data, fieldwork instruments such as compasses

Visual Representation (VR) - annotated diagrams, field sketches

Supporting resource - virtual fieldwork

Landscapes and landforms virtual fieldwork

Landscapes and landforms virtual fieldwork

An online resource to support students who are unable to attend the fieldwork. This resources is based on the landscapes and landforms at West Head.

Please contact the Centre for more information.

Cost and details

Bus access map

Map for access to venue will be sent with the confirmation.

Please ensure you print a copy and provide to the bus driver on the morning of the excursion.

Cost

2025 DoE $20 per student - GST free

2025 Non-gov school cost $25 per student - GST free, minimum charge $750 per class

NOTE:  National Parks entry is $1.10 per student in addition

Class numbers and size

Up to 4 classes

Max. 30 students per class

Please contact the centre if you have more than 4 classes.

Risk assessments A complete risk assessment will be sent upon confirmation.
What to bring

Backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunblock, raincoat, hat, sturdy shoes, mask.

Students wear sports uniform.

Adverse weather

On days where the weather is unsuitable (see risk assessment), a Gibberagong staff member will contact the organising teacher to discuss alternative arrangements.

Please check your bus company’s cancellation policy.

Medical notifications Notify Gibberagong EEC by completing and returning the medical form before the excursion. This form will be sent out upon confirmation of booking.

Excursion locations

With multiple locations, the school is able to host up to 8 classes on one day.