Brewongle Environmental Education Centre

Explore, Experience, Discover

Telephone02 4579 1136

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

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

stage 6 earths natural systems

 

This excursion has been designed to support the NSW Geography 11-12 Syllabus topic Earth's natural systems. This geographical inquiry investigates the natural processes, cycles and circulations that have shaped the Hawkesbury River and its surrounding land, as well as the impacts of human activities on this environment.

This resource includes 5-6 pre-excursion lessons examining the atmospheric, hydrological, geomorphic and ecological systems that have shaped the Hawkesbury-Nepean River and its surrounding land, as well as a 4 hour fieldwork component to be undertaken on site. 

 

KAYAKING

Please be aware when booking this program that students must meet certain prerequisites and experience requirements to participate in the kayaking activity. 

Visiting teachers and schools must familiarise themselves with the updated NSW Department of Education School Sport Unit: Canoeing - Recreational guidelines. The program can be adjusted to exclude kayaking if necessary.

 

kayaking on 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.

 

Time Group 1 Group 2
9:30 Welcome to Brewongle / Safety Briefing 
9:40 Introduction and overview – Earthlab
10:00 RECESS
10:20

Kayaking & riparian zone assessment

Water quality assessment
11:40 Water quality assessment Kayaking & riparian zone assessment
1:00 LUNCH
1:30

Reflection of activities / Wrap up / Toilets
2:00 FAREWELL

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.

Checking the pulse Google site

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. 

Location Brewongle EEC, Sackville North
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 3 classes per day

Maximum 30 students per class
Start and finish times

Arrival time is 9:30am

Departure time is 2:15pm

* 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

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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

    • CallGet directionsMail

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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.

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