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Year 8 Geography visit Warragamba Dam

There was water, water everywhere for our Year 8 Geography students as they visited the spectacular Warragamba Dam as part of their studies into Water in the World.

This term, our Year 8 Geography students have been examining water as a resource and thinking about the different factors that affect water flow, as well as the availability of water resources in different places. As part of their studies, the students have been investigating water scarcity and ways to overcome it. It has made them appreciate the value of water and the importance of sustainable water management. Some of the inquiry questions, Year 8 have been pursuing include: Why does the spatial distribution of water resources vary globally and within countries? How do natural and human processes influence the distribution and availability of water as a resource? What effect does the uneven distribution of water resources have on people, places and environments? And what approaches can be used to sustainably manage water resources and reduce water scarcity?

To support their learning, Year 8 went on a recent excursion to Warragamba Dam where they learnt about its importance to Sydneysiders. Located beyond the western suburbs, Sydney’s main reservoir can hold up to 2,000bn litres of water, equivalent to about four times what’s in Sydney Harbour. It was built more than 60 years ago, by 1,800 men of 25 different nationalities, many of whom were post WWII immigrants, using an incredible 3,000,000 tonnes of concrete. It draws water mainly from the Wollondilly River to the south-west and the Coxs River to the north and provides about 80% of the city’s drinking water.

After an interesting presentation from the Warragamba Dam educators, students had an opportunity to go on a sensory exploration of the area and think more critically about issues such as landscape design around the Dam and its effect on managing issues such as stormwater and drought.

Clio in Year 8 said, “As a student who is interested in Australia's history and geography, our excursion was very educational and a great insight into Australia's past droughts and floods and our water supply. It gave me and the rest of my classmates a greater appreciation for Sydney's water supply. At the Dam we were given a tour of the area and saw a complete view of the back and front of the Dam. We were given a thorough explanation about how the Dam works and what they do in a drought or flood situation to help cope with the impacts. We were also taught about how Sydney's rate of consumption of water can deeply impact homes and land all around NSW. We had a class session where we learnt about Warragamba Dam during the worst drought in NSW. This drought was between 1998 and 2007. In this time, the Dam dropped to 38.8 capacity (the lowest on record). The NSW Water educators gave us a great understanding of this drought, discussed how it was dealt with and how they still managed to supply Sydney with water. Ironically, in the weeks before our visit, there had just been a period of heavy rainfall so that the Dam was at full capacity. Overall, this was an interesting and engaging excursion, and gave us intriguing insight into Warragamba Dam. It made a great learning experience for students.”

Jemima in Year 8 said, "Warragamba Dam is one of NSW's most extraordinary wonders and gave us all a great insight into the process of Sydney's water. When we arrived, we were given an introduction on the activities we would do that day, and some facts and statistics about the Dam. We were then taken on tours around different angles of the Dam and were presented with more amazing facts and explanations about the purposes of different parts of the Dam. We completed activities and questions to further our knowledge as well. Overall, it was a very fun, beneficial and educational experience. 10/10!!"

Maggie, also in Year 8, said "Once we got to Warragamba Dam, we went inside the Education Centre, where we were given a lot of information about the Dam. One fact that struck me was that the Dam supplies over 80% of Sydney's water. After learning a lot, we had a tour and saw the Dam from different angles, as well as learning the history of the Dam and the usages of its water. It was an extraordinary experience and I'd say that the excursion was one of the most informative and best learning experiences I've had in Geography so far. Overall, it was an amazing day and I'd have loved to stay longer there."

Geography Teacher Ms Powell said, “We followed up the excursion by considering the diverse opinions of stakeholders regarding the Warragamba Dam Raising Proposal. The NSW government states that this is for flood mitigation, but there are many dissenting parties. This is a highly topical issue after the recent floods. By examining articles on the subject, students had an opportunity to consider and assess differing viewpoints. It also encouraged them to think about the processes and consultation involved prior to decisions being finalised in matters relating to significant public works and infrastructure.”

Great teaching and learning Year 8 and Geography Department!