Stage 6 Skills
HSC Exam
Make sure that you bring:
- 360 degree protractor - this will be easier to use than a 180 degree protractor.
- a couple of coloured pencils - in case you have to do any mapping. Coloured pencils will enable you to do maps much more quickly than having to device patterns to show difference between different items.
- ruler
string for measuring distance
eraser
- Board allowed calculator (you should already have one of these for your maths exam)
magnifying glass - not absolutely necessary, but might come in handy if you have to try to see very small symbols on a topographic map, or to see more detail on photographs.
Make sure that you bring:
- 360 degree protractor - this will be easier to use than a 180 degree protractor.
- a couple of coloured pencils - in case you have to do any mapping. Coloured pencils will enable you to do maps much more quickly than having to device patterns to show difference between different items.
- ruler
string for measuring distance
eraser
- Board allowed calculator (you should already have one of these for your maths exam)
magnifying glass - not absolutely necessary, but might come in handy if you have to try to see very small symbols on a topographic map, or to see more detail on photographs.
Students learn to interpret maps by:
• calculating the gradient of a slope as a ratio
• calculating the vertical exaggeration of a cross-section
• determining sight lines between two points
• constructing a transect between two points and describing the changes along it
• identifying spatial interaction and change using a variety of sources
• describing patterns, relationships, networks, linkages and evidence of change within and between regions or areas
• determining the density of a specific feature on a map
• reading, constructing and interpreting choropleth maps
• recognising the key features of changing pressure patterns on weather maps
• designing and interpreting flowcharts.
Students learn to analyse graphs and statistics by:
• calculating the rate of increase or decrease between two points
• estimating the value of proportional circles of different size using a key
• estimating the value of particular segments in pie graphs of different size
• identifying the three elements depicted in a ternary graph and the line scale of each
• stating the ‘mix’ of elements at any point on a ternary graph
• identifying clusters and patterns on a ternary graph
• constructing and interpreting proportional divided circles
• interpreting frequency distributions and diagrams
• reading and interpreting logarithmic and semilogarithmic graphs
• interpreting and analysing population pyramid data.
Students learn to interpret photographs by:
• orientating a photo to a map
• estimating the scale of aerial photographs and satellite images
• estimating the time of day at which a photograph was taken
• calculating areas of land use as a ratio
• identifying spatial associations, interactions and change
• constructing a precis map from an aerial photograph or satellite image
• using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to examine spatial and ecological issues.
Board of Studies syllabus.
• calculating the gradient of a slope as a ratio
• calculating the vertical exaggeration of a cross-section
• determining sight lines between two points
• constructing a transect between two points and describing the changes along it
• identifying spatial interaction and change using a variety of sources
• describing patterns, relationships, networks, linkages and evidence of change within and between regions or areas
• determining the density of a specific feature on a map
• reading, constructing and interpreting choropleth maps
• recognising the key features of changing pressure patterns on weather maps
• designing and interpreting flowcharts.
Students learn to analyse graphs and statistics by:
• calculating the rate of increase or decrease between two points
• estimating the value of proportional circles of different size using a key
• estimating the value of particular segments in pie graphs of different size
• identifying the three elements depicted in a ternary graph and the line scale of each
• stating the ‘mix’ of elements at any point on a ternary graph
• identifying clusters and patterns on a ternary graph
• constructing and interpreting proportional divided circles
• interpreting frequency distributions and diagrams
• reading and interpreting logarithmic and semilogarithmic graphs
• interpreting and analysing population pyramid data.
Students learn to interpret photographs by:
• orientating a photo to a map
• estimating the scale of aerial photographs and satellite images
• estimating the time of day at which a photograph was taken
• calculating areas of land use as a ratio
• identifying spatial associations, interactions and change
• constructing a precis map from an aerial photograph or satellite image
• using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to examine spatial and ecological issues.
Board of Studies syllabus.
Skills from previous years are also assessable. Make sure that you also revise these skills. They are assumed knowledge. A quick overview of some of the junior topographic skills is found below.
