Forests NSW offers excursions for secondary students to Cumberland and Strickland State forests. Programs are curriculum aligned and relevant to Geography, Science and Industrial Technology areas of study.

Curriculum Links

Industrial Technology Stages 4-5

Geography Stages 4-5

• Australian Geography
• Investigating Australias Physical Environment
• Geography of Primary Production

Science Stages 4-5

• Interactions

Geography Stage 6

• Global Challenges
• Ecosystems at Risk
• People and Economic Activity

Science Stage 6

• Plants

Sessions

1. Trees, forests and carbon

This session examines the anatomy of a tree and looks at how trees grow and what factors affect growth and germination. Students will ID native plants and plant adaptations in the forest and discuss research looking into how forests are going to adapt to climate change. he science behind forest management including fire and flora and fauna surveys is examined along with the new wave of science into the carbon cycle in forests and carbon storage in forests and wood products. The fieldwork element allows students to undertake transect, plot forest features on a map and take measurements to estimate the carbon storage in trees.

2. Ecosystems and the science of forest management

This session looks at ecosystems in forests, why they are important, what puts them at risk and how they can be protected. Management of specific forest types is discussed along with aspects of the science behind forest management including fire and flora and fauna surveys. Regeneration in native forests is examined along with a discussion about timber as a renewable resource and sustainable industry. The fieldwork element allows students to undertake a survey for flora and fauna species and record forest features like slope and density. Students will use this information to develop a harvest plan map for the site. Students will discuss recent changes in technology and how remote sensing technology is affecting forestry.

3. Forest Timber natural resource management

Timber is the focus of this session which looks at the difference between hardwood and softwood and the journey from forest to timber mill and beyond. Students will take part in a hands-on exercise to try and match the tree to timber to product. Forest management and the difference between native and plantation forests are examined as is the sustainability of the industry. The new wave of science into the carbon cycle in forests and carbon storage in forests and wood products is examined along with the certification of forests and timber products.

Each session runs for 2 hours and includes a short break. Sessions are outlined below. The cost per student is $6.60 per session (minimum 15 students). To ensure maximum educational benefits and minimal environmental impact on the forest, student numbers are limited.

Further information & contact details

For further information about Cumberland State Forest and Strickland State Forest, and for contact details, see Forests excursions. For online resources go to useful stuff at  or visit www.landlearnnsw.org.au.