Learning activities

Storytime & nature detective challenge

Students will explore the life cycles of a banksia plant and their role in the ecosystem. They will discuss how banksias grow and which animals depend on them before becoming 'nature detectives'. Using mini magnifiers and nature journals, they will search for and record information on a variety of living things.

Students will sketch, classify, and discuss their discoveries, connecting their findings to how plants and animals grow and change.

Bush walk including invertebrate hunt & classification

On a guided bush walk, students will the explore the forest to find native invertebrates like ants, beetles, and cicada shells. Using mini magnifiers observe and discuss how invertebrates pollinate, decompose, and support the ecosystem. During the bush walk, students will learn about Aboriginal seasonal knowledges and take time for a quiet 'magic spot' to sit mindfully and observe the natural world using their senses.

Build-a-creature: Clay model activity

Students will design and sculpt a clay model of a real or imaginary plant or animal. They will consider features that help their creature survive, such as wings for flight or spikes for protection. After crafting, students will present their creatures, explaining their role in the ecosystem.

Suggested timetable

Time	Classes A & B	Classes C & D
10.00am	Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome, Overview of the day
10.10am	Morning tea
10.30am	Storytime & nature detective challenge	Bush walk including invertebrate search & classification
11.45am	Bush walk including invertebrate search & classification	Storytime & nature detective challenge
1.00pm	Lunch
12.30pm	Build-a-creature: Clay model activity
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

• ST1-SCI-01 measures and describes changes in living things, materials, movement, Earth and the sky
• ST1-PQU-01 poses questions based on observations and information to investigate cause and effect
• ST1-DAT-01 collects, represents and uses data to identify patterns and relationships

Content

Living things change over time

• Recognise that data can be collected through observation, testing and research, and that it can be represented as descriptions, diagrams, graphs, images and tables
• Collect data about the variety of living things in a local habitat, group them and justify the groupings
• Describe the changes in a plant as it grows using data and scientific models
• Describe the changes in an animal as it goes through its life cycle using data and scientific models
• Describe how Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples use Knowledges of the life cycles of livings things

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	2026 DoE $20 per student - GST free 2026 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 - GST free
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.