Earth's
natural systems
Overview
This resource supports the Earth's natural systems topic for the Geography Year 11 course Geography 11–12 Syllabus (2022).
Activities within this resource have been developed to introduce students to the characteristics of the Field of Mars Reserve before participating in an excursion to conduct fieldwork for the topic Earth's natural systems.
Geographic tools including maps, photographs and links to external sources can also be used in post excursion activities and assessment.
Syllabus outcomes
Students:
GE-11-01 examines places, environments and natural and human phenomena, for their characteristics, spatial patterns, interactions and change over time
GE-11-02 explains geographical processes and influences at a range of scales that form and transform places and environments
GE-11-06 identifies geographical methods used in geographical inquiry and their relevance in the contemporary world
GE-11-07 applies geographical inquiry skills and tools, including spatial technologies, fieldwork, and ethical practices, to investigate places and environments
Geographical fieldwork
The eucalypt forest located within the Field of Mars Reserve is a small isolated bushland remnant. Although a relatively small area, it provides a unique case study for students to engage in fieldwork to investigate:
how people connect to and value natural places and how these connections may differ between people
the processes, cycles and circulations of earth's natural systems and how they have shaped the forests of the Field of Mars Reserve.
Geographical inquiry and tools have been integrated into the program.
Fieldwork inquiry questions
During fieldwork students will collect primary data to answer the following questions:
What are the characteristics of the ecological, atmospheric, hydrological and geomorphic systems that make up the eucalypt forest at the Field of Mars Reserve?
How do natural processes, cycles and circulations influence primary productivity of the eucalyptus forest at the Field of Mars Reserve?
How do people value and connect with nature in an urban setting?
About us
This resource was developed by the Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre.
Centre staff are qualified teachers who specialise in environmental and outdoor education, fieldwork and sustainability.