Program overview
This engaging, hands on geographical inquiry will help students answer the syllabus inquiry questions using permaculture elements at Brewongle EEC. Students will examine the physical characteristics and productivity of biomes which provide people with food, including a native bushtucker garden.
With increasing human pressure on our natural biomes, there is a need to grow food in a sustainable way to ensure food security for all living things into the future. We would like you to investigate the principles of permaculture and how we have applied these at Brewongle EEC.
Geographical inquiry questions
- How do people use and alter biomes for food production?
- What are some of the factors affecting food production at Brewongle EEC?
Outcomes
- Explains the diverse features and characteristics of a range of places and environments GE5-1
- Analyses the effect of interactions and connections between people, places and environments GE5-3
- Assesses management strategies for places and environments for their sustainability GE5-5
- Acquires and processes geographical information by selecting and using appropriate and relevant geographical tools for inquiry GE5-7
- Communicates geographical information to a range of audiences using a variety of strategies GE5-8
Content
- Biomes
- Changing biomes
- Biomes produce food
- Challenges to food production
Cross Curriculum Priorities
- Sustainability
| 1 |
Compass & iPad map tour of sustainability elements of Brewongle EEC Students evaluate permaculture elements. They discuss and provide reasons for the location of the element before explaining its importance. Students create a sketch map of the site. |
| 2 |
Bushland soil assessment Using a range of scientific and geographical tools, students assess the biotic and abiotic parameters of the soil. Students discuss and analyse results, comparing the soil health and productivity of sites around Brewongle. |
| 3 |
Soil assessment Students replicate the tests conducted in the bushland soil and compare results. |
| 4 |
The original Australian biome Explore our bushland to discover Aboriginal bush tucker food production and use. |
| 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 |
| 10:15 | Compass & iPad tour |
| 10:55 |
Soil assessment (Bushland) |
| 11:45 |
Soil assessment (Permaculture garden) |
| 12:35 | LUNCH |
| 12:55 |
An original Australian biome (Bush resource walk) |
| 1:45 | Reflection of activities / Wrap up / Toilets |
| 2:00 | Farewell |
The pre-excursion tasks can be found on pages 2-5 of the worksheet (link below). The following map and downloadable resources will assist in the completion of pre-excursion activity 1 questions.
Activity one resources:
- Download our Brewongle EEC Permaculture Plan
- Use the CSIRO Climate Analogues Explorer
| 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