Forces shape Earth's surface

Science and technology

Sandstone cliff showing distinct layered rock formations overlooking the ocean.

Students walk across an ancient landscape to observe evidence of weathering and erosion with a backdrop of stunning coastal views and cliffs. They participate in hands-on activities at Wattamolla and along a bushwalk on the loop track around Providential Headland and a walk to clifftops looking south over Curracurrang.

Excursion site

Suggested timetable
10:00 Introduction and Acknowledgement of Country
10:20

Students examine and identify different types of rocks.

Students use scientific equipment to measure and record weather conditions that relate to weathering and erosion, such as temperature, wind speed and wind direction.

On a bushwalk, students observe and identify examples of weathering and erosion.

11:30 Recess
11:50

Students complete scratch art showing examples of weathering.

Students listen to a Dharawal Dreaming Story about the formation of a landform.

1:00 Lunch
1:30 Students complete a scientific investigation to model how forces produced by moving water cause erosion.
2:00 Conclusion and depart

* There may be variations to timetable based on specific location, group size and weather

Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary

Tier 2:

observe, investigate, compare, identify, classify, record, measure, pattern, explain, represent

Tier 3:

erosion, weathering, sandstone, landform, rock cycle, mineral, ochre, forces, landscape, temperature

Syllabus outcomes and content

Science and technology K-6 Syllabus (2024)

Outcomes
  • Uses information to investigate the solar system and the effects of energy on living, physical and geological systems ST2-SCI-01
  • Poses questions to create fair tests that investigate the effects of energy on living things and physical systems ST2-PQU-01
Content
Forces shape Earth’s surface
  • Investigate Aboriginal Dreaming Stories and Torres Strait Islander Legends about the formation of landscapes and landforms
  • Explain how the forces produced by wind, water and living things weather rocks
  • Describe and model how forces produced by moving water cause erosion
"The excursion was perfect for us. A great mix of written tasks, practical tasks, creative tasks and listening tasks. The level was perfect for Year 3. They thoroughly enjoyed being out in the open and observing real life environment. The coast is always such a spectacular spectacle!!!"

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