Stage 6 Earth's Natural Systems
Our Earth's Natural Systems Fieldtrip is designed to support the NESA Geography 11-12 syllabus (2022). It provides a place-based opportunity for Year 11 Geography students to focus on the natural processes, cycles and circulations that interact to shape and affect the functioning of the land and water over a range of time scales at Collaroy and Narrabeen.
Student Outcomes
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.
GE11-05 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.
GE-11-08 Applies mathematical ideas and techniques to analyse geographical data.
GE-11-09 Communicates and applies geographical understanding, using geographical knowledge, concepts, terms and tools, in appropriate forms.
Sample program
Enter the CEC at North Narrabeen for a short lecture on how Earths Natural Systems have interacted to produce the Narrabeen coastline. Students will learn about the dominant forces that shape this coastline and how seasonal changes impact the width and shape of the beach.
Begin field study on Narrabeen Headland where students will get an overview of the study area. Students discuss and interpret the coastal processes on the day and record interactions of the four spheres. Students will also learn how sand builds up at the lagoon entrance and the affects of this sand on the functioning of this complex system. Students will be able to take part in the Coastal Snap citizen science monitoring program.
After walking over to North Narrabeen Surf Club, students will undertake an in-depth geographical study of the processes that are interacting at the beach and dunes at North Narrabeen. Students will use geographic tools to measure and record a range of abiotic and biotic factors along a transect from the high tide mark to the hind dune.
Lunch at North Narrabeen SLSC. Shops, shade and toilets available nearby
After lunch, students will then use their primary data along with aerial photographs to construct a précis map of the dune study area. Students will illustrate the distribution of the three dominant species of dune vegetation and record the interface between the three vegetation zones found within coastal dunes.
In groups, students study synoptic charts, swell and wind data and historical aerial photographs of the beach to interpret how the beach and dunes at North Narrabeen respond to various sets of conditions.