Brewongle Environmental Education Centre

Explore, Experience, Discover

Telephone02 4579 1136

Emailbrewongle-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Geography - Factors that shape places (Blacktown)

Geography, Factors that shape places at Blacktown Showground

 

In the 1960s, there was a healthy population of Fishing Bats at the site now known as Blacktown Showground. They haven’t been seen since, but with restoration of the wetland at Blacktown Showground, there’s hope the bats will return!

Students become experts on the intriguing and endangered Fishing Bats and use geographical skills and tools to assess the site for its potential to support a population of Fishing Bats once again. In doing so, students will develop deep knowledge and understanding about the interconnectedness of all aspects of the environment and how people interact with it.

What can Council and local residents do to help the Fishing Bats return? 

 

Note - Each year there is funding available for schools in the City of Blacktown LGA to attend this excursion. Please enquire as to what is available!

waterplants in the pond

Geographical inquiry questions

  • How do people and environments influence one another?
  •  How do people influence places and the management of spaces within them?

Outcomes

  • Describes the diverse features and characteristics of places and environments GE3-1
  • Explains interactions and connections between people, places and environments GE3-2
  • Compares and contrasts influences on the management of places and environments GE3-3
  • Acquires, processes and communicates geographical information using geographical tools for inquiry GE3-4

 

Content

  • Factors that change environments
  • Environments shape places
  • Humans shape places

 

Cross Curriculum Priorities

  • Sustainability

 

Literacy & Numeracy Learning Progressions

This program supports student learning in various elements of the Literacy and Numeracy Learning Progressions.

Activity 1 - Water Sensitive Urban Design

Investigate water sources and quality in the wetland. Is the water clean enough to support a population of Fishing Bats?

 

Activity 2 - Habitat Assessment

Students conduct a habitat assessment and search for roosting sites for bats. Are there any dark and gloomy hidey holes for bats to rest up during the day?

 

Activity 3 - Fishing Bat Food Sources

Investigate food sources for Fishing Bats. Students will dip net for bugs in the wetland. Is there enough food for the Fishing Bat?

 

Activity 4 - People - Indigenous History and Change Over Time

Students learn about traditional Darug use of the site and identify traditional uses for plants and animals. How has the site changed over time and how might this have influenced fishing bats?

Time Group 1 & 2 Group 3 & 4 Group 5 & 6 Group 7 & 8
9:30 Welcome to Blacktown Showground / Safety Briefing 
9:45

Water sensitive urban design

(Outlet & walk)

Habitat assessment

(Picnic areas)

Fishing Bat food sources

(Wetlands)

 

People - Indigenous history & change over time

(Behind cafe & walk)
10:35 RECESS
10:50

Habitat assessment

(Picnic areas)

Fishing Bat food sources

(Wetlands)

People - Indigenous history & change over time

(Behind cafe & walk)

Water sensitive urban design

(Outlet & walk)
11:35

Fishing Bat food sources

(Wetlands)

People - Indigenous history & change over time

(Behind cafe & walk)

Water sensitive urban design

(Outlet & walk)

Habitat assessment

(Picnic areas)
12:20

People - Indigenous history & change over time

(Behind cafe & walk)

Water sensitive urban design

(Outlet & walk)

Habitat assessment

(Picnic areas)

Fishing Bat food sources

(Wetlands)
1:05 Reflection of activities / Wrap up 
1:20

LUNCH

Brewongle staff pack up
2:00 SCHOOL DEPARTS

Pre and post-excursion lessons are available on our 

Program webpage

Student worksheet   

Location Blacktown Showground, Blacktown (entry via Richmond Road)
Bus  details

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.
Cost Refer to Brewongle's pricing page
Class numbers and size

Up to 8 classes per day or 240 students.

Maximum 30 students per class
Start and finish times

Arrival time is 9:30am

Departure time is 2pm

* discuss prior to your visit if you require alternate times
Risk Assessments Refer to Brewongle's risk management plans
Inclusive learning support

This program can be adapted for students with specific mobility requirements.

Please visit our inclusive education website for social stories and other excursion support materials.
Adverse weather

On days where the weather is unsuitable, a Brewongle staff member will contact the organising teacher to discuss alternative arrangments.

Please visit booking and cancellation policy to view our trigger points for cancellation.

Book now at Brewongle button

Related content

Brewongle Environmental Education Centre

General enquiries

  • address 587 Chapel Hill Road
    Sackville North NSW 2756

    telephone 02 4579 1136

    email brewongle-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au

    Get directions

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  • address 730 Sackville Ferry Road
    Sackville North NSW 2756

    telephone 02 4579 1136

    email brewongle-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au

    Get directions

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    We sincerely acknowledge Aboriginal Elders past, present and emerging - the masters of sustainability. We thank the Elders and knowledge-holders who've shared with us, and those we work and connect with at Brewongle. We endeavour to continue to connect with Darug land and build her connection with our students.

    Copyright for this website is owned by the State of New South Wales through the Department of Education. For more information go to http://www.dec.nsw.gov.au/footer/copyright.