Planning a Field Trip
Task to do How I achieved the planning
1. Identifying the fieldwork activity
2. Seeking permission to undertake
fieldwork – dealing with school
administration
3. Planning the student activity
First, I chose the year level next I researched the
Australian Curriculum Geography to identify
the content description and inquiry skills to suit
the learning experience. I read the general
capabilities and cross curriculum priorities and
chose the areas I thought would be relevant to
the inquiry.
I researched bushfires and the local community.
I found three places that would be suitable for a
field trip. I went to visit all three locations:
1. Geoscience Australia Canberra
2. CSIRO Discovery Centre Canberra
3. National Arboretum Canberra
Geoscience Australia had great facilities such as
the sand topography and interactive maps, but
the educational staff were focusing on science
and not willing to adjust their program to suit
my needs on bushfires.
I believe students will gain valuable
geographical skills visiting both the CSIRO and
the National Arboretum. Staff were very helpful
and shared my enthusiasm.
During my visit to both venues I observed and
discussed the possible risks and challenges for
students with the staff. I recorded the possible
risks and challenges and created a risk
management plan.
I discussed and scheduled suitable times to visit
the venues including where is the best place to
have morning tea and lunch.
I referred to the NSW 2018 school calendar to
find out how many weeks in the first term and
the interruptions such as public holidays and
school events.
I contacted the local bus company to acquire the
fare and capacity numbers.
The two venues were chosen because students
will have the opportunity to meet real experts
and practice important geographical skills
 Including:

 Data collection (weather)

 Experimentation (fire)
 Field sketching
 Mapping
 Photography

4. Preparing the students – the lesson When planning the lesson activities, I
prior to the fieldwork incorporated a lesson to explain the assessment
criteria for the field trip. I will also need to
remind students what they need to bring on the
day.
5. The fieldwork day While on the field trip it will be my duty to
ensure the safety of students. Including making
sure all students are accounted for and on
schedule.
6. Reporting on the fieldwork experience In class I will need to support students to
organise their data from the field trip. The field
trip book I created will support students to
organise their data and recall the day’s events.
7. Taking action It will be my responsibility to organise an
audience for students to present their finding.
For this geographical inquiry I would ask the
local RFS to visit the school, so the children can
present their findings.

References
Education Services Australia Ltd. (2013). A checklist for undertaking fieldwork. Retrieved from
GeogSpace: http://www.geogspace.edu.au/verve/_resources/3.4.3_1_fieldwork_checklist.pdf