Learning activities

Water quality

Students will use fieldwork equipment to test the oxygen saturation, phosphate level, turbidity and pH of the water in the catchment. Students will analyse their data to determine the quality of the water, to explain how these indicators influence aquatic life and to suggest management solutions to improving water quality.

Biophysical processes

Students will observe and record changes to the environment along a transect to determine what biophysical processes could be contributing to the change. The students will then investigate human impact and management solutions at this site.

Geographical processes

Students will complete a field sketch of the Bobbin Head area to record the natural and built features and to describe the geographical processes that have shaped the environment.

Using photographic evidence, students will describe how Bobbin Head has changed over time and design solutions to an expected increase in visitation into the future.

Management

Using a map, students will locate a series of checkpoints to learn about the consequences of environmental change at Bobbin Head and the management strategies reduce these impacts?

Suggested timetable

Time	Class A, B	Class C, D
10.00am	Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome, Overview of the day Map study
10.10am	Morning Tea
10.30am	Water quality and biophysical processes	Geographical processes and management
12.00pm	Lunch
12.30pm	Geographical processes and management	Water quality and biophysical processes
2.00pm	Conclusion and depart

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

Syllabus outcomes

Geography 7-10 Syllabus (2024)

Outcomes

• explains how the diverse features and characteristics of a range of places and environments change over time GE5-DFC-01
• analyses the processes and interactions that transform people, places and environments GE5-PRI-01
• assesses different approaches to the management and protection of places and environments GE5-MAN-01
• applies and evaluates a range of geographical tools to acquire and process geographical information GE5-TAP-01

Content

Environmental change

• The role and importance of Earth’s environments
• Biophysical processes that change Earth’s environments
• Human-induced environmental changes over time across a range of scales
• Consequences of environmental change
• Management strategies to reduce the impacts of environmental change, including prevention, mitigation and preparedness strategies
• Methods used to assess sustainability when managing environmental change

Geography 7-10 Syllabus (2015)

Outcomes

• GE5-2 demonstrates an understanding that places and environments change
• GE5-3 explores interactions and connections between people, places and environments
• GE5-4 recognises perspectives of people and organisations on a range of geographical issues
• GE5-5 explores management of places and environments
• GE5-7 collects and uses geographical information for inquiry
• GE5-8 communicates geographical information

Content

Environments

Students:

• investigate the role and importance of natural environments, for example:

  • identification of the function of natural environments in supporting life

Environmental change

Students:

• investigate human-induced environmental changes across a range of scales, for example:

  • brief examination of types, and extent, of environmental change

Environmental management

Students:

• investigate environmental management, including different worldviews and the management approaches of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

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

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	2026 DoE $20 per student - GST free 2026 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 - GST free
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.