Stage 5 - Environmental Change and Management

Geography

Program Overview

This unique and highly engaging fieldwork program allows students to investigate first-hand how humans have caused environmental change in the Penrith Lakes Area.

Students will see the extent of change to the physical characteristics of the area caused by mining.

Students then undertake a primary research assessment of environmental impacts of human alterations to the area. This incorporates water testing, invertebrate sampling and birdlife survey.

Finally there is a real life look at management strategies that aim minimise environmental impacts now and in the future.

Students are guaranteed to be involved in a number of engaging and ‘hands on’ experiences during the course of the day through which students will further develop their geography inquiry,field work and group work skills.

Students are guaranteed to be involved in a number of engaging experiences during the course of the day through which students will further develop their geography inquiry, field work and group work skills.

Students will be thinking and working geographically, using geographic concepts and tools.

Focus

Geography Focus Area

Stage 6: Environmental Change and Management

Program Activities

Introduction to Penrith Lakes and the development of the local freshwater ecosystem
Recess
Short tour to Waterside observing the land use in the Penrith Lakes catchment
Water Testing - Abiotic data collection off site in catchment - Waterside Residential Area
Water Management Practices at Waterside
Bird Observation, Recording and Analysis - Biotic Data Collection
Tour to southern section of the Penrith Lakes Area
Water Testing - Abiotic data collection off site in catchment - Regatta Centre warm up lake
Macro-invertebrates - Biotic data collection
Lunch
Wrap up - The success of water management strategies on the Penrith Lakes ecosystem

Key Syllabus Outcomes

Stage 5 - Geography
  • GE5 – PRI- 01 analyses the processes and interactions that change people, places and environments
  • GE5 - MAN - 01 assesses  different approaches to the management and protection of places and environments
  • GE5 - TAP-  01 applies and evaluates a range of geographical tools to acquire and process geographical information

Key Content

How have human-induced environmental changes affected environments and people in the Penrith Lakes Area?
  • Human-induced environmental changes over time in the  Penrith Lakes Area.
  • Consequences of environmental change
Why is an understanding of biophysical processes essential for sustainable management of the Penrith Lakes environment?
  • Management strategies to reduce the impacts of environmental change at Penrith Lakes eg restoration and rehabilitation

  • Methods used to assess sustainability when managing environmental change at Penrith Lakes

    eg sustainability indicators

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