Field Study School Excursion - Sydney - Earth & Environmental Science

Year 11 Earth and Environment
Earth's Resources & Human Impact (Combination Program)

Program can be used as stimulus or as practical investigation for the new Depth Study component, and will contribute to 5 of the 15 required hours for a Depth Study.

BUSHLAND / HAWKESBURY SANDSTONE

Location
Bantry Bay, Frenchs Forest
Camp Coutts, Heathcote
Camp Kedron, Ingleside

Excursion Synopsis
Students will discuss the formation of the Earth's geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere, with support from fossil evidence of Stromatolites and Banded Iron Formations.

Students investigate the local geology of the Sydney region and examine the local sandstone rock using hand lenses and microscopes, to observe the particle sizes and shapes and determine the conditions of deposition. Students also investigate the soils of the area, and determine its (a) texture class by centrifuging a soil sample and referring to a ternary graph; and (b) pH using soil pH kits.

Human environmental impact will be assessed for the biosphere and hydrosphere. Human impact on the vegetation will be investigated with a line transect identifying weeds. Human impact on waterways will be investigated at two creeks in the area by identifying weeds, pH & phosphate tests and catching water animal indicator species. Creek management strategies will be discussed in relation to creek quality testing results. At Bantry Bay, the impact of an installed Gross Pollutant Trap in Forestville will be assessed as a management strategy to combat water pollution.

Book Now