Stage 6 - Earth and Environmental Science Field Trip
This fieldtrip supports Modules 1 and 4 of the NESA Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus, Earth’s Resources and Human Impacts. Students engage in a variety of hands-on activities designed to give them real world understanding of the current depositional environment within the Narrabeen Lagoon catchment and a window into the geological history of the Narrabeen and Sydney Basin depositional environment that gave rise to the Early Triassic sedimentary unit, the Narrabeen Group. Students will investigate key features of the lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere and how interactions between these spheres have led to the landscape we see today. We will also discuss how modern human impacts on those 4 spheres that will shape this area into the future.
Year 11 Modules 1 and 4 EES Student Outcomes
A student:
EES 11/12-3 Conducts investigations to collect valid and reliable primary and secondary data and information.
EES11/12-5 Analyses and evaluates primary and secondary data and information.
EES11/12-6 Solves scientific problems using primary and secondary data, critical thinking skills and scientific processes.
EES 11-8 Describes the key features of the Earth’s systems, including the four spheres and how they are interrelated.
EES 11-11 Describes human impacts on the earth in relation to hydrological, geological processes and biological changes.
Sample Program
Brief lecture on the local Geology; key features of the local geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere; and how they are interrelated and transform the coastline and Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment.
Sedimentation demonstration showing differences between vegetated, mulched and bare soil, Look at models of Narrabeen lagoon catchment and close up of Warriewood valley and the functioning of Warriewood wetlands.
Students conduct sediment core sampling in Narrabeen Lagoon at two sites. They compare results, discuss layers, composition and possible processes at play.
At Turimetta Beach, students investigate an outcrop of sedimentary rocks which form part of the Narrabeen Group by constructing a vertical stratigraphic column of the sedimentary layers, including descriptions of the rock type for each stratum.
Students investigate the prevalence and impact of introduced species on the natural process that form and transform a sand dune and the cliff face behind it. Students identify native and introduced species along a transect line, take sediment samples along the dune profile and cliff face and discuss interactions of introduced and native species and vegetation stabilising and modifying the soil profile.
Walk from Turimetta to CEC to have lunch, with toilets and shade nearby.
Microplastic Survey OR Water Quality Testing at Narrabeen Lagoon.
Students need to bring:
- Clipboard, worksheet, pens and pencils
- Pre-field trip planning group sheets
- Lunch, morning tea, refillable water bottle
- Hat, sunscreen and raincoat (if necessary)
- Old sandshoes (that can get wet)
Availability Calendar
View our calendar for availability of primary and high school field trips. Available dates are blank. Part = Partially booked - limited space might be available.