Outdoor learning: Geography

Geography

Geography is a structured way of exploring, analysing and understanding the characteristics of the places that make up our world. Outdoor learning programs provide opportunities for students to learn to question why the world is the way it is, reflect on their relationships with and responsibilities for that world, and propose actions designed to shape a socially just and sustainable future. In Geography, students examine why places have particular environmental and human characteristics, explore the similarities and differences between places, investigate meanings and significance of places to people, and examine how places are managed and changed. All of these concepts can be developed, understood and applied through outdoor learning experiences.

Learning in Geography involves posing questions/hypotheses, locating and gathering data and information, recording and representing data, analysing data and information, arriving at conclusions, proposing actions, considering consequences and reviewing proposals. Learning can be about how places are used and valued by humans, or about economic and ecological sustainability.

Environmental education involves learning about the environment, in the environment, and for the environment. It includes studies of places, environments, features, systems, interconnections, and the human value of outdoor places. In environmental education, the inherent value of places can be explored through philosophy, creativity and inspiration and result in attitudes and behaviours such as stewardship. Environmental education is a field of study underpinned by ecological or systems thinking and a way of knowing. It can be delivered through Geography or other subjects and courses such as history, marine studies and tourism studies.