This program focuses on the Stage 2 Geography content ‘The Earth’s Environment’ Students will visit The Coal Loader Sustainability Centre at Waverton, and Balls Bead Reserve to explore the natural vegetation and native animals of a place in Australia, and examine the importance of natural vegetation and natural resources to the environment, animals and people. They will learn about the ways people value environments, including Aboriginal people, and recognise differing views on how sustainability can be achieved.
Program location
The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability at Waverton and Balls Head Reserve
View the Google Excursion Map with approximate walking route, meeting location and pick up location. Bus drop off and pick up is Waterhen Drive in front of the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability.
Key inquiry question
Why do people value Balls Head Reserve and how can it be protected?
Key syllabus outcomes
- how does the environment support the lives of people and other living things?
- how do different views about the environment influence approaches to sustainability?
- examine features and characteristics of places and environments
- describe the ways people, places and environments interact
- examine differing perceptions about the management of places and environments
- acquire and communicate geographical information using geographical tools for enquiry
Integrating the ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures, and the Sustainability’ Cross Curriculum Priorities is a feature of the program.
Skills outcomes
- collecting and recording geographical information by observing, recording and using maps
- explaining how and why people in the past may have valued environments differently than today
- encourage literacy skills in talking and listening.
Student pre-visit and follow up activities
Successful excursions have direct links to current classroom learning. Pre-visit activities carried out prior to the excursion will help students better understand their excursion content and provide connectedness and relevance to classroom learning.
Visit The Earths Environment Student Website for pre and post excursion learing activities.
On the day activities
During the full day fieldwork excursion, students will:
- acquire, process and communicate geographic information to answer a fieldwork question
- learn about past uses of the site including those of Aboriginal people, and as a working coal loader
- learn basic geographic tools including map reading, line drawings, and observation
- undertake a guided tour of the Coal Loader Sustainability Centre to learn about actions that improve sustainability
- undertake a bushwalk in Balls Head Reserve to learn about features and characteristics of places and environments
Cost
- Government Schools: $15 per student (GST Free)
- Non-Government Schools: $25 per student (GST free). Minimum cost of $600.
Excursion program downloads
- The Earth's Environment Flyer (588KB)