Introduction

Field of Mars Reserve is a bushland reserve located in Ryde, Sydney, Australia.

The reserve is managed by the City of Ryde as a wildlife protection area and wildlife refuge.

The reserve exists for the purposes of conservation, scientific research and as a space for low-impact activities such as bushwalking.

In order to manage the reserve the land managers (council rangers and open space managers) need a sound understanding of the natural functioning of environments found within the reserve.

With this understanding, and by utilising fieldwork results, experienced land managers can identify and investigate the effects of human impacts on the functioning of these environments. This understanding contributes to the sustainable management of these areas.

Fieldwork inquiry process

Fieldwork is an essential component of geography. It provides students a pathway for active research when investigating a geographical issue or problem. 

This resource will guide students through the steps of fieldwork inquiry.

Step 1 – Develop geographic inquiry questions

Step 2 – Formulate a plan for the investigation

Step 3 – Identify, collect and record primary and secondary data 

Step 4 – Evaluate, represent and interpret data to draw conclusions

Step 5 – Communicate geographical findings

Step 6 – Critically reflect on the findings of the investigation and the effectiveness of the inquiry.

Using this resource

Follow the inquiry through each section of this resource using the tabs:

• Preparing for fieldwork section - covers fieldwork inquiry steps 1 and 2

• Fieldwork section - covers fieldwork inquiry steps 3 and 4

• Interactions section - covers fieldwork inquiry steps 5 and 6.