Activity 1 : Murmuring Walk Audio (Digital Resource)
Prior to attending Sanatorium lake the teacher is required to prepare student devices with the Murmuring Walk audio which is available from sound cloud. The audio produced by Ria Soemardjo, Sandra Fiona Long and Charlotte Roberts who are ‘passionate about inviting audiences to reconnect deeply with natural environments, by creating a space of heightened listening and contemplation.’(Macedon Ranges Shire Council , n.d.) This audio encourages deep listening and ample opportunity for environmental reflection.
Students split into small groups led by a teacher. Students listen to the guided audio track as they walk around the lake taking note of the important features highlighted in the audio. Such as the different wild life that can be seen, the plants/ significant trees and the history of the lake. During the walk students are encouraged to take pictures using their devices allowing them to revisit and reflect on what they have observed.
As the students return to the picnic grounds create a yarning circle around one of the camp fires. Facilitate a group discussion where each group/ students share their experiences from the walk highlighting what they found most interesting while either walking or listening to the audio. Teacher to encourage deeper reflection by asking questions such as
- ‘how did the historical information connect to the current landscape that you just walked?’
- ‘what stood out to you about the relationship between nature history and community?’
Wordcount: 230
Information Signs (Text/Visual Based Resource)
Students use iPads to take photos of the information signs they see while walking. They can use the information provided on these signs in order to conduct further research on the historical, cultural and geographical aspects of Sanatorium Lake.
Back in the classroom students can work in there groups to explore further into some of the subtopics they see on the signs. For example, some groups might research the impact of the Ash Wednesday bushfires that occurred on Mount Macedon that is referenced on the signs as well as in the audio, while others explore the different shrubs/tree that are around and why they grow best in the area. This leads into broader questions about ecosystems and communities.
Wordcount: 120
Activity 2: Map Reading and Navigation Skills (Text/Visual Resource)
As students arrive to the picnic ground the day begins with an orientation activity where students are required to look at and understand the map of the Sanatorium Lake trail prompting discussion on the different symbols that are used and the scale of the map.
The teacher comes prepared with copies of Macedon Regional Park Visitor Guide and in small groups students are then tasked with highlighting key trail features. With prompting questions such as
- How far is the walking trail around the Lake and roughly how long will it take us to walk?
- What natural features can be recognised on the map? (Bodies of water, forested areas)
- How does looking at the scale help us to interpret the distance?
The map provided to students could be used as a scavenger hunt opportunity for the students to participate in their groups as they are walking to cross off the certain features of the map they see as they go past. This provides students with a practical and hands on experience to apply geographical skills in a real world context.
The picnic ground map provides a valuable resource to the students and teachers as it is authentic and place-based. Students will be able to feel a connection to the map as they explore the area making it a meaningful task. The students will also become familiar with certain terms that are used on the map such as the scale and relative locations in the area. According to the Victorian Curriculum students at a year 5-6 level should be able to ‘Interpret maps and other geographical data and information using digital and spatial technologies as appropriate, to develop identifications, descriptions, explanations and conclusions that use geographical terminology’ (VCAA], n.d.)
Wordcount: 290
Digital Exploration of Surrounding Areas using Google Maps (Digital Resource)
In the days after the excursion when students return to the classroom students can be given the opportunity to extend their map reading experience using a digital tool such as google maps to further explore the wider Macedon Ranges region digitally.
Working within their small groups, groups can choose other significant locations on the map such as Hanging Rock, Mount Macedon Memorial Cross, Ash Wednesday Park, Major Mitchell Lookout. Students can practice using different features on google maps such as exploring relative locations, scale, terrain. Which allows for deep exploration of the vegetation in the area and land use.
Each group can then prepare a report using powerpoint to present to the class highlighting key questions
- What other significant key features can be found within Macedon Ranges?
- The distance in relative to Sanatorium Lake?
- How does using the scale on the map help us?
- What are some potential hazards people in the area may come across e.g. floods, bush fires, wild storms? How can we work to prevent major damage during these weather events?
Allowing students to use and explore google maps as a digital tool in the classroom helps students to recognise significant locations. They can use the zoom in and out features to discover the different scales used as well as the terrain of the area. The tools fosters digital literacy skills, while encouraging collaborative learning environments for students to practice interpreting and representing geographical data visually. Elaboration of the Victorian Curriculum VCGGC090 states the students should be able to present a report using graphics and maps as evidence of an investigation into a local environmental or planning issue and using geographical terms, such as relative location, scale, climate, cultural diversity , reflecting on what they have learned, and suggesting additional questions that could be investigated (VCAA], n.d.)
Word count: 300