Stage 2 HSIE Geography | Australia's environments excursion | Georges River EEC

Student activities

Student activities are differentiated, inclusive and may vary depending on the conditions.

Mapping our journey

Students use maps and compasses to identify and locate the natural and cultural features as we journey through the environment. Simple weather and fieldwork equipment is used to record weather and environmental conditions.

Visitor fact sheet

Students collect geographical information and data to create a visitor fact sheet. Flora and fauna identification charts and multi-sensory observations are used to record observed significant natural and cultural features. Current management strategies are observed and conclusions on ways we can care and protect the natural environment are made. Fact sheets can be completed on their return to class or as an optional assessment.

Conservation or sustainability?

How is this place managed? Students identify who manages the site and observe management strategies in place.

Students will play games to learn about the Australian bass, Mulloway and Macquarie perch to develop a deeper understanding of how people manage places for conservation and sustainability.

Aboriginal sustainable practices

Aboriginal Dreaming stories are shared to understand Aboriginal Peoples' sustainable use of resources. Students will identify Aboriginal plant resources found on Country. They will examine the significance of shell collections (formerly known as middens) and engage with Aboriginal traditional tools.

Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary

bushland, conservation, conserve, cultural heritage, Custodian, eco-warrior, endangered species, evidence, iconic, introduced species, management strategy, midden, national park, natural heritage, protect, protection, reserved land, sustainability, cultural heritage, national park, visitor facilities.

Suggested timetable

Time	Classes 1, 2, 3 and 4
9.30am	Arrival - introduction, recess and toilets
10.00am - 11.30am	Nature explorations
11.30am - 12.00pm	Picnic lunch and toilets
12.00pm - 1.30pm	Nature explorations
1.30pm - 2.00pm	Snack, conclude and depart

Syllabus outcomes and content

Human Society and its Environment K–6 Syllabus (2027)

Focus area outcomes

Geographical information is used to understand the world

• HS2-ACH-01 describes Aboriginal Peoples’ obligations to Country, Culture and Community
• HS2-GEO-01 explains how people care for Australia’s environments and participate in Australian society, using geographical information

Content groups

Aboriginal Peoples use and care for the environment sustainably

• Identify and use appropriate terminology when sharing Knowledges about Country
• Describe how Aboriginal Peoples sustainably use the resources of Country

People use geographical information to understand climates and environments

• Locate and compare deserts, forests, mountain ranges, rivers, ocean trenches and volcanoes of Australia and the world using grid and relief maps and compass directions north, south, east and west
• Describe ways Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples map Country and Place
• Identify and describe significant natural and cultural environments of the world using Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary

People have responsibility to care for Australia's environments

• Observe and describe ways people organise places into spaces for different purposes
• Compare the objectives of managing places for conservation and managing places for sustainability
• Investigate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander food practices that are sustainable

Human Society and its Environment K-6 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2024

Teacher information

Cost 2026	NSW Department of Education schools $22 per student Non-government schools $28 per student The total cost of the program will be based on the number of students confirmed at least 3 working days before your program. If the number of students is not confirmed by this time, the total cost will be calculated using the number of students listed on the original booking form or the actual number of students who attend, whichever is greater. An Interschool Journal request or sales order will then be prepared and sent to your school for payment.
Student numbers	Recommended maximum 4 classes with up to 30 students per class.
Student group sizes	This program includes group work. Students work in groups of 3 (threesome). Please notify the centre if adjustments to group sizes are required.
Risk management plan	Risk assessment provided in location tile.
Bring	School first aid kits, student medication and ASCIA action plans Low waste food and water bottle Sun protection - hats and sunblock Insect repellent
Clothing	Sports uniform Sports shoes Raincoat in case of wet weather. Please no umbrellas.
Staff and student welfare	The program requires walking through parklands. The site is fully accessible but may not be suitable for recently unwell participants. For medical or special needs notify staff prior to program.
Extreme or wet weather	In general, our staff are prepared to complete learning programs in varied weather conditions except where health and safety could be compromised. School staff should assess the appropriateness of the visit with poor conditions and discuss with our centre staff as soon as possible. In the event of cancellation, we will do our best to find an alternative date. Please view our trigger points for postponement and cancellation.
Trigger points for cancellation	See our bookings page
Cancellation policy	Cancellation or major changes to bookings will incur the following cancellation fees: within 30 days of excursion or incursion date - $600 administration fee charged within 7 days of excursion/incursion date - total fee charged based on confirmed student numbers. Weather or fire danger cancellation – $0