HSC Geography · People, Patterns and Processes · 7.3 · Student worksheet
Patterns of Infrastructure — Activities
Print or work on screen · pairs with the 7.3 study page
Activity 1 — Components of infrastructure
Syllabus link: 7.3.1 · what infrastructure is
Sort each example into hard (economic) or soft (social) infrastructure, then add one more of your own to each column.
Examples to sort: motorway · public hospital · shipping port · high school · electricity grid · mobile network · emergency services · water treatment plant
| Hard (economic) infrastructure | Soft (social) infrastructure |
|---|
| |
| |
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Activity 2 — Compare US vs China approaches
Syllabus link: 7.3.2 & 7.3.3 · ageing vs expanding patterns
Complete the comparison table using the study page. Then answer the question below the table.
| United States | China |
|---|
| Main infrastructure challenge | | |
| Key example / project | | |
| A source or grade you can cite | | |
| One risk or criticism | | |
Question: In one sentence, explain why a mature economy and a fast-growing economy face different infrastructure challenges.
Activity 3 — Two metros, one problem
Syllabus link: 7.3.4 & 7.3.5 · Shanghai vs Sydney
Both cities used a metro to solve the same problem — moving people in a growing city. Using the network schematic on the study page as a guide, note what each is known for, then answer.
| Shanghai Metro | Sydney Metro |
|---|
| Known for / distinctive feature | | |
| Roughly when it opened / grew | | |
Question: What does an interchange node do in a network, and why does it make a metro more useful?
Activity 4 — Evaluate sustainable infrastructure
Syllabus link: 7.3.6 & 7.3.7 · evolution & technology
Write 3–4 sentences. Use one real example (e.g. Sydney Metro's automation, or a smart/automated port).
Prompt: "Modern infrastructure should be judged on its sustainability, not just its size." Evaluate this statement with reference to a real example.
Activity 5 — Key concepts
Syllabus link: geographical concepts
For each concept, write one sentence linking it to infrastructure.
- Interconnection (networks link places):
- Scale (local metro → global Belt and Road):
- Change (industrial-age → digital-age):
- Sustainability (green & resilient design):
Take it further — resources
Real, reputable sources for your own research
