Program

Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre's Wild Science is a curriculum-aligned High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) science program for Stage 2 and Stage 3 students. Discover the wonders of the natural world through hands-on scientific exploration. Students investigate the relationships between living things and their environments through authentic fieldwork experiences that spark curiosity, develop scientific inquiry skills and encourage critical thinking. Students will investigate animal specimens, observe and measure environmental factors during a bushwalk and compare the characteristics of different habitats. Drawing on their observations and fieldwork data, students will then design and construct their own imaginary animal, using scientific thinking, creativity and problem-solving to develop a creature suited to its environment.

Learning intentions

Students will

Investigate how animal adaptations support survival in different environments.
Observe, measure and compare environmental conditions across different habitats.
Use fieldwork data and scientific observations to explain relationships between organisms and their environments.
Apply scientific knowledge and creative problem-solving to design and make an animal suited to a particular habitat.
Evaluate and communicate design decisions using evidence, reasoning and consideration of environmental change.

Special Notes

- One day workshop (9.15am-2.20pm)

- Maximum 6 students per school (DoE schools only)

- Teachers are NOT required to attend the workshop

- Teachers or parents are required to drop off and pick up students from the venue

- Capacity of 45 students each day

Term 4 date: 8th December 2026

To register your students please complete the registration form: Wild Science Registration

Key information

Learning activities

Animal investigation

This activity invites students to explore the relationships between animals and their environments through hands-on scientific investigation. Students will examine animal specimens and identify structural and behavioural features that may support survival.

Bushwalk investigating habitats

Students will become environmental investigators as they explore the different habitats at Bobbin Head. During the bushwalk, they will observe wildlife and measure and collect data of environmental factors using scientific equipment to compare the characteristics of different environments. By analysing their findings, students will investigate how non-living components influence habitats and consider how environmental conditions shape the survival of living things.

Animal architects

From the students' investigations and observations from the day, students will design and construct a model of an imagined animal. They explain how its structures support movement, feeding, sensing, defence or survival. Combining scientific inquiry, creative thinking and problem-solving, students will test their designs against changing environmental conditions and consider how living things meet the challenges of survival.

Suggested timetable

Time	Group A	Group B
9.15am	Arrival
9.30am	Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome, Overview of the day Explore Bobbin Head
9.45am	Morning Tea
10.00am	Animal investigation
11.00am	Bush walk, abiotics and observations	Bush walk, abiotics and observations
1.00pm	Animal architects
2.10pm	Wrap up
2.20pm	Conclusion and depart

Cost and details


2026 Cost	$40 per student - GST free This will be processed through the student's school NOTE: National Parks entry is included in the cost
Transport	Schools are required to organise transport for students to and from the location. Drop-off is available at Bobbin Head carpark.
Class numbers and size	Max. 6 students from each school Please contact the centre for more information
Risk assessments	A complete risk assessment will be sent to the school upon confirmation.
What to bring	Backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunblock, raincoat, hat, sturdy shoes, mask. Students may wear sports uniform.
Adverse weather	On days where the weather is unsuitable (see risk assessment), a Gibberagong staff member will contact the organising teacher to discuss alternative arrangements.
Medical notifications	Notify Gibberagong EEC by completing and returning the medical form before the day. This form will be sent out upon confirmation of booking.
How to book	Teachers are to complete the booking form for participating students. Booking link