Learning activities

Nature walk including bush treasure hunt

Students embark on a bush adventure to explore and classify natural objects as living, once-living, or non-living. They learn about how Aboriginal Peoples use natural materials and spend time quietly connecting with nature through observation and sensory experiences.

Who lives here?

Discover the hidden world of animals in our local national parks. Students become wildlife detectives, exploring different habitats to uncover tracks, feathers, burrows, and other signs of life. Using magnifying glasses and observation tools, they will classify their discoveries and learn how animals find food, water, and shelter to survive. This hands-on experience sparks curiosity about the diverse creatures that call the bush home.

Moving like an animal

How do kangaroos hop, birds glide, and insects crawl? In this interactive activity, students observe how different animals move and then take part in an engaging movement game. By mimicking and categorising various animal movements, they will explore how body structures help creatures adapt to their environment. This fun, energetic session deepens students’ understanding of survival in the wild.

Plant detectives

Students explore the world of plants by collecting and classifying leaves, flowers, and seeds. They learn about plant growth, leaf shapes, and how Aboriginal Peoples have used native plants for food, tools, and medicine, fostering observation and appreciation of plant adaptations.

Suggested timetable

Time	Classes A & B	Classes C & D
10.00am	Welcome Acknowledgement of Country, Overview of the day.
10.10am	Morning Tea
10.30am	Bush walk	Story, treasure hunt & plant detectives, moving like an animal
12.00pm	Lunch
12.30pm	Story, treasure hunt & plant detectives, moving like an animal	Bush walk
2pm	Conclusion and depart

* Please call the centre if you have more than 4 classes.

Syllabus outcomes

Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus (2024)

Outcomes

• STE-SCI-01 Identifies and describes characteristics of living things, properties of materials, and movement
• STE-PQU-01 poses questions based on observations to collect data

Content

Living things have characteristics that help them survive in their environment

• Describe how living things get air, water and energy to survive in their environment
• Recognise that plants produce their own food, and animals need to find their food
• Examine flowers, fruit, leaves, roots and stems of plants and describe their purpose
• Examine animal bodies, their body coverings, and how and what they eat
• Observe and group animals based on their characteristics and justify the grouping
• Describe ways Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples use Knowledges of the characteristics of plants and animals to survive
• Pose questions to compare the characteristics of living things and non-living things

Living things and objects move in different ways

• Observe, describe and categorise the ways in which living things move

Observations and questions initiate design and digital solutions

Understanding user needs inspires design and digital solutions

• Examine designed structures that animals build to help them survive in their environment

Cost and details

Bus access map	Map for access to venue will be sent with the confirmation. Please ensure you print a copy and provide it to the bus driver on the morning of the excursion.
Cost	2025 DoE $20 per student - GST free 2025 Non-gov school cost $25 per student - GST free, minimum charge $750 per class NOTE:  National Parks entry is $1.10 per student in addition
Class numbers and size	Up to 4 classes Max. 30 students per class Please contact the centre if you have more than 4 classes.
Risk assessments	A complete risk assessment will be sent upon confirmation.
What to bring	Backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunblock, raincoat, hat, sturdy shoes. Students 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. Please check your bus company’s cancellation policy.
Medical notifications	Notify Gibberagong EEC by completing and returning the medical form before the excursion. This form will be sent out upon confirmation of booking.