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Illawarra Environmental Education Centre

Illawarra Environmental Education Centre

Telephone02 4237 6100

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

Features of places (Geography)

Stage 1 Geography

 

Program overview

This program examines the natural and human features of Killalea State Park, exploring the way in which the Park has changed and ways in which this significant place can be cared for. Students investigate the diverse range of natural and built places and spaces and how they have been used for a variety of purposes over time.

Inquiry and focus questions

  • What are the features of, and activities in, places?
  • How can we care for places?
  • How can spaces within a place be used for different purposes?

Learning experiences  

Bird watching at lagoon

Using camouflage netting, tarps and face paint, students construct bird hides and use binoculars to view the wide range of birdlife that inhabits Killalea Lagoon. This leads the investigation of the features of the lagoon, and the considerations required in caring for such a place.

Sand modelling and pippi hunting

Students utilise The Farm beach to create 3D sand maps and models to describe the natural features of Killalea State Park. These natural features are then examined to determine why various activities (eg surfing, fishing etc) are conducted in this place. Students will be led on a search for pippis in the low tide zone of the beach, to describe the daily changes of tide and its impact upon the marine environment.

Aboriginal perspectives

Students are led to the hind dunes of The Farm Beach, where a range of Aboriginal artifacts are presented and students design and construct a model gunya (simple shelters), learning the way in which Aboriginal people cared for the local environment. Students assist the regeneration of the dunes through the removal of the pest species bitou bush.

Nature mapping and users of the Park

Students are shown the process of constructing a ‘nature map’ of the Old Dairy area from natural materials and the use of a variety of tokens to conduct a treasure hunt game based upon the detail shown in their map to identify and describe the natural and human features of Killalea Regional Park. Students conduct a survey to identify and better understand different ways that people use the park over time. Within this activity, students make use of props that represent different park users, once they have discussed, observed and tallied park usage by members of the public.

Sensory awareness

Students utilise a range of viewers, magnifying glasses and a variety of equipment to explore the natural features of Killalea State Park.

Key syllabus outcomes

Geography K -10

S1 - Features of Places

A student:

  • Describe features of places and the connections people have with places GE1-1
  • Identifies ways in which people interact with and care for places GE1-2
  • Communicates geographical information and uses geographic tools for inquiry GE1-3