E1 Environments at Risk
Time allocation - Varies depending on the number of focus areas chosen
Principal focus
To understand the impacts of physical processes on environments.
The studies chosen in this unit should complement, rather than duplicate, those chosen in unit 4G3 and those studied in Science Stages 4–5.
Outcomes
When students undertake studies in this focus area in Stage 4 they will work towards the following Stage 4 outcomes:
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E 4.1
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identifies and gathers geographical information
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E 4.2
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observes and interprets geographical information
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E 4.3
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uses a range of written, oral and graphic forms to communicate geographical information
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E 4.4
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demonstrates a sense of place about environments outside Australia
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E 4.5
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describes the physical processes that form and transform environments.
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When students undertake studies in this focus area in Stage 5 they will work towards the following Stage 5 outcomes:
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E 5.1
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identifies, gathers and evaluates geographical information
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E 5.2
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analyses, organises and synthesises geographical information
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E 5.3
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selects and uses appropriate written, oral and graphic forms to communicate geographical information
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E 5.4
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demonstrates a sense of place about environments
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E 5.5
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analyses the impacts of physical processes on environments.
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E1 Environments at Risk
Content
In working towards Stage 4 or Stage 5 Outcomes, students will learn about:
Plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes
• plate tectonics and continental drift
• mountain building and sea-floor spreading
• volcanoes and associated landform features
• earthquakes and tsunamis
• sample studies of the effects of earthquakes and volcanic activities on environments
Weathering
• mechanical and chemical weathering
• mass movement and associated landform features
• sample studies of the effects of weathering and mass movement on environments
Erosion and deposition
• agents of erosion
• rivers and associated landforms
• coastal processes and associated landform features
• wind and associated landform features
• glaciation and associated landform features
• sample studies of the effects of erosion and deposition on environments
Weather and climate
• differences between weather and climate
• elements of weather
– atmospheric pressure
– wind
– air masses and fronts
– precipitation
• factors affecting climate
– insolation
– topography
– maritime/continental influences
• world patterns of climate, greenhouse gas emissions and climate change
• sample studies of the effects on environments of weather and climate such as:
– droughts, famine and bushfires
