Focus – Landscapes and Landforms

Outcomes: *GE4.1 *GE4-2 *GE4-5 *GE4-7

This unique and highly engaging program allows students to learn about Blue Mountains World Heritage site.

Activities include : Echo Point – Landform study and general Blue Mountains background, Katoomba Park – microclimates – weather instruments. Furber Steps – microclimates comparison and rainforest biome and follow up management practices in the Blue Mountains.

Key inquiry questions explored:
What environmental and human processes form and transform landscapes and landforms?
Why do people value landscapes and landforms?
To what extent are landscapes and landforms sustainably managed and protected?

Focus – Water in the World
Outcomes: *GE4-1 *GE4-2 *GE4-3 *GE4-5 *GE4-7

This program allows students to learn about stormwater management methods used at Penrith Lakes Scheme. (2 hour sessions)

Activities include: Introduction to Penrith Lakes, water management practices at Penrith Lakes,  Waterside housing estate, water testing Waterside catchment and Penrith Lakes.

The key inquiry question is:
What approaches can be used to sustainably manage water resources and reduce water scarcity?

(Please note: This half day excursion is usually combined with a visit to Warragamba Dam – Please contact – WaterNSW directly to arrange a booking)

Focus –Water in the World
Outcomes: *GE4-1 *GE4-2 *GE4-3 *GE4-5 *GE4-7

This program allows students to learn about stormwater management methods used at Penrith Lakes Scheme.

Activities include: Introduction to Penrith Lakes, water management practices at Penrith Lakes,  Waterside housing estate, water testing Waterside catchment and Penrith Lakes and tour of the Penrith Lakes Parkland.

The key inquiry question is:
What approaches can be used to sustainably manage water resources and reduce water scarcity?

Focus – Living World
Major Outcome: *SC4-6WS

Students conduct an investigation of the Penrith Lakes aquatic ecosystem while achieving Living World 1 (LW1) outcomes.

Activities include : Introduction and tour of Penrith Lakes, basic water testing, bird and flora walk and aquatic invertebrate collection.

Conclusions from the investigations are examined in a ‘wrap up’ session. Students evaluate ‘health’ of Penrith Lakes while constructing a food web and understanding  adaptations of sample flora and fauna.