Stage 6

GE-11-01 - examines places, environments and natural and human phenomena, for their characteristics, spatial patterns, interactions and changes over time.

GE-11-02 - explains geographical processes and influences, at a range of scales, that form and transform places and environments.

GE-11-05 - analyses and synthesises relevant geographical information from a variety of sources.

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.

GE-11-08 - applies mathematical ideas and techniques to analyse geographical data.

How have natural processes, cycles and circulations shaped Longneck Lagoon and its surrounding land?

Students will:

· Measure and record weather data.

· Access location data using GPS and represent this data on maps.

· Measure steepness of slope to determine runoff impact.

· Conduct a variety of tests to assess water and soil qualities in and around the wetland.

· Obtain ecological data using vegetation ID charts and quadrats.

GE-11-01 - examines places, environments and natural and human phenomena, for their characteristics, spatial patterns, interactions and changes over time.

GE-11-03 - explains geographical opportunities and challenges, and varying perspectives and responses.

GE-11-04 - assesses responses and management strategies, at a range of scales, for sustainability.

GE-11-05 - analyses and synthesises relevant geographical information from a variety of sources.

GE-11-07 - applies geographical inquiry skills and tools, including spatial technologies, fieldwork, and ethical practices, to investigate places and environments.

What are the physical processes and cycles related to flooding in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley?

What are the challenges, opportunities and responses to flooding at Longneck Lagoon?

How effective has management of flooding been at Longneck Lagoon?

Students will:

· Use topographic and relief maps to study the area.

· Test soil and topography parameters to identify how they contribute to flooding events at Longneck Lagoon.

· Conduct a field sketch to demonstrate the extent of flooding events.

· Test physical and chemical water quality parameters to understand how flooding events influence water quality.

· Identify and assess the effectiveness of a range of flood mitigation strategies.

BIO11/12-1 - develops and evaluates questions and hypotheses for scientific investigation.

BIO11/12-2 - designs and evaluates investigations in order to obtain primary and secondary data and information.

BIO11/12-7 - communicates scientific understanding using suitable language and terminology for a specific audience or purpose.

BIO11-10 - describes biological diversity by explaining the relationships between a range of organisms in terms of specialisation for selected habitats and evolution of species.

BIO11-11 – analyses ecosystem dynamics and the interrelationship of organisms within the ecosystem.

How do environmental pressures promote a change in species diversity and abundance?

What effect can one species have on the other species in a community?

How can human activity impact on an ecosystem?

Students will:

· test a variety of aquatic and terrestrial parameters.

· undertake a vegetation transect and herbivory profile of the area.

· investigate the relationships between biotic and abiotic factors in the ecosystem.

EES11/12-1 - develops and evaluates questions and hypotheses for scientific investigation.

EES11/12-2 - designs and evaluates investigations in order to obtain primary and secondary data and information.

EES11/12-3 - conducts investigations to collect valid and reliable primary and secondary data and information.

EES11-11 - describes human impact on the Earth in relation to hydrological processes, geological processes and biological changes.

How does human use of land affect soil?

How do introduced species affect the Australian environment and ecosystems?

Students will:

· assess three sites to investigate soil and ecosystem characteristics.

· assess causes and impacts of erosion data along a transect line.

· use a GPS to record the location of a variety of introduced flora and fauna they observe during fieldwork.

· record evidence of human activity and reflect on the environmental impact.

INS11/12-1 - develops and evaluates questions and hypotheses for scientific investigation INS11/12-1.

INS11/12-2 - designs and evaluates investigations in order to obtain primary and secondary data and information.

INS11/12-3 - conducts investigations to collect valid and reliable primary and secondary data and information.

INS11/12-5 - analyses and evaluates primary and secondary data and information.

Related Life Skills outcomes: SCLS6-1, SCLS6-2, SCLS6-4, SCLS6-9.

What inferences can be drawn from observations?

Does a water body's proximity to urban areas and human activities affect its ecological health and quality?

Students will:

· test aquatic abiotic parameters.

· assess aquatic biological indicators for ecological health.

· interpret results.

· identify human activities in various locations.

· make inferences about human impacts.