Program overview
The Hawkesbury Nepean River has been a vital part of our landscape for many thousands of years. It played a key role in the lives of Indigenous Dharug People living in the area, the early European Settlers, and is important to many thousands of people today.
This geographical inquiry will focus on the environmental and human processes that influence the availability and distribution of water, with a particular focus on the Hawkesbury River at Sackville North. The program includes fieldwork skills as well as pre- and post-excursion lessons and an assessment task.
Geographical inquiry questions
- How do natural and human processes influence the distribution and availability of water as a resource?
- What effect does the uneven distribution of water resources have on people, places and environments?
Outcomes
- Locates and describes the diverse features and characteristics of a range of places and environments GE4-1
- Describes processes and influences that form and transform places and environments GE4-2
- Explains how interactions and connections between people, places and environments result in change GE4-3
- Discusses management of places and environments for their sustainability GE4-5
- Acquires and processes geographical information by selecting and using geographical tools for inquiry GE4-7
Content
- The water cycle
- Water scarcity and water management
- The value of water
Cross Curriculum Priorities
- Sustainability
| 1 |
Topography They inspect various stormwater mitigation measures used at Brewongle. Students gain understanding of the impact of vegetation and slope on stormwater and water quality in the catchment. |
| 2 |
Water bug assessment Students catch and survey water bugs, utilising them as a biological indicator of water quality. Students compare water quality to water scarcity. |
| 3 |
Water quality of the Hawkesbury River Students examine water quality utilising a range of physical and chemical testing equipment. They interpret their results and draw links between water quality results and landuse within the catchment. |
| 4 |
Vegetation Students use geographical fieldwork tools to investigate the impact of walking tracks on the local environment at Brewongle. |
| Activity social story coming soon! | |
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Sample of a 1 group program For multiple groups/classes, the same activities are run on an alternating schedule |
|
| 9:45 |
Welcome to Brewongle Safety briefing |
| 10:00 | RECESS |
| 10:20 |
Water bug assessment (Ponds) |
| 11:05 |
Vegetation (Yarning circle or bug pits) |
| 11:55 |
Water quality of the Hawkesbury River (Lookout classroom) |
| 12:45 | LUNCH (in the field) |
| 1:00 |
Topography (Lookout track then stormwater mitigation walk) |
| 1:45 | Reflection of activities / Wrap up / Toilets |
| 2:00 | Farewell |
Pre- and post-excursion lessons are available in the student worksheet
| Location | Brewongle Environmental Education Centre, Sackville North |
| Transport |
Buses are booked by the visiting school. A map to the bus parking will be sent with the schools confirmation email. Please ensure you print the map and give to the bus driver the morning of the excursion. |
| Program costs | Program costs |
| Student numbers |
Maximum student numbers are 30 students per class - up to 6 classes per day No minimum student numbers (instead possible minimum costs) |
| Supporting teachers and staff | Minimum requirement is one teacher per attending class |
| Program start and finish times |
Brewongle arrival time is 9:45 am - departure time is 2 pm * discuss prior to your visit if you require alternate times |
| Medical and welfare notifications |
Using the Brewongle medical and welfare form (sent with the confirmation email), inform Brewongle staff of any medical conditions or special requirements prior to the visit This program can be adapted for teachers and students with specific mobility requirements |
| Adverse weather |
Visit our visitor information page to view our weather trigger points for program changes On days where the weather is unsuitable, a Brewongle staff member will contact the organising teacher to discuss alternative arrangements |
| Booking and cancellation policy requirements |
Brewongle booking and cancellation policy Student attendance numbers confirmed 7 days prior to visit Cancellation fees may apply |
| Inclusive learning support | Visit our inclusive education website for further excursion support materials |
Booking enquiries
Get in touch to ask a question, plan a visit or find out more about what we offer