Earth's natural systems - Checking the pulse of the Hawkesbury River

Geographical inquiry questions

• How have natural processes, cycles and circulations shaped the Hawkesbury River and its surrounding land?

• How have human activities influenced the natural processes, cycles and circulations that have shaped the Hawkesbury River and its surrounding land?

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 
• 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
• 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.

Geographical tools

• Analyse and interpret various maps

• Use spatial information to determine connections, impacts and change over time

• Use fieldwork instruments to identify, collect and record geographical data and information

• Synthesise and interpret fieldwork data.

Cross Curriculum Priorities

• Sustainability

Activity 1 - River geomorphology - Kayaking and riparian zone assessment

Learn to kayak and observe the geomorphic processes that have shaped the Hawkesbury River, and the benefits of riverbank vegetation in preventing erosion.

Activity 2 - Hydrological systems - Water quality assessment

Investigate hydrological systems with the use of our water quality testing equipment to test various physical and chemical parameters of the River.

Activity 3 - Vegetation & river health - Vegetation assessment

Use a transect to identify plant type and height to classify the vegetation type at Brewongle EEC and examine the importance of terrestrial vegetation to the health of the River.

Pre and post-excursion lessons are available on our excursion page

Click image below to access the Google site. Please ensure students have completed the pre-excursion tasks on this site before their excursion at Brewongle EEC.

Student worksheet

There is also a non-kayaking option for this excursion. For schools completing this option, you need to download the non-kayaking student worksheet.