Unit 1Understanding outdoor

experiences

Motivation for outdoor experiences.

Nature…..what does it mean?

Nature is a word used in many contexts.

Used by media for advertising, promotion.

Something that occurs on its own & without human interference.

(Nature 1)

Wind erosion is a naturally

occurring process

Wilson's Promontory is a natural

environment

He is a natural blonde

She has a pleasant nature

Natural or Unnatural

Something that is natural can still be unnatural in a particular environment.

Wool vs. Acrylic debate

Wool – sheep (natural living thing, introduced species to Australia)

Acrylic – manufactured substance (from fossil fuels from earth)

List goes on.

Learning Activity 1.2

Natural Environments

Is a vast, pristine & contains no solid evidence of human manipulation

Sometimes called a wilderness area.

Humans & Natural Environments

Discuss & make notes with a partner.

If natural means untouched, how many natural environments are there around now?

Where is your closest natural environment?

How easy is it for you to access this environment?

Humans & natural Environments

Aboriginal people:

Part of natural

Little impact on the environment

Spiritual relationship with land (dreaming)

European settlers

Superior to nature

They could control the environment

Cleared areas for settlements & agriculture

Introduced animals for farming/ recreation

Humans & Natural Environments

Contemporary Australians

More environmentally conscious

Learning that natural resources are not limitless

Modern society working to develop ecologically sustainable practices

Green power

Recycling

Sustaining natural environments & wilderness.

Contemporary Australians

City dwellers – not so easy to access natural environments

Accessibility to natural environments has increased over time.

Private cars

Public transport

Natural places have lost this authenticity over time due to increased numbers of people visiting

Contemporary Australians & Nature

Perceptions of what nature is has changed

Expanding urbanization of Melbourne means less children are getting rural experiences, thus less access to nature.

Easier to visit a modified environment to get natural experience.

Learning activity 1.5

1. Write your definition of natural environments.

2. List the five most natural environments that you have visited.

3. List five other natural environments in Victoria.

4. On the map provided mark in these environment.

Map of Victoria

What has happened to Australia’s natural environments.

Increased land use & pressure on natural environment has led to:

Land degradation

Increased salinity

Erosion

Governments have worked to restore these environments to a degree.

Investigation into a ‘Recycled Environment’

Read – Newport Lakes Park

Write a short response – Can people experience a truly ‘Natural’ experience in this type of environment?

Learning activity 1.6

1. Sit or lie on the grass in the school grounds or a safe local park or garden.

2. Close your eyes.

3. Listen to, and smell, the city.

4. Focus carefully for at least 10 min

5. Gradually shift your focus on the sounds and smells of nature, feel the tempreature, strength & direction of the breeze.

6. Write a brief account of your experience.