Learning activities

Seasonal bush walk

Students will take part in a guided bushwalk, observing the natural features around them and looking for signs of seasonal change. Along the way, they will pause for a quiet ‘magic spot’—a mindful moment to sit, listen, look, and connect with the environment using their senses.

Soil and the leaf cycle

Students investigate how soil is formed through the breakdown of organic and inorganic materials. Using a large canvas cycle mat, they collect leaves at different stages of decay to learn how they transform into soil. With magnifiers, they explore their own soil samples to identify broken-down leaf matter and sand grains. The activity reinforces the connection between plants, soil, and seasonal change.

Seasonal treasure hunt

Students become nature detectives on a guided treasure hunt for signs of the changing seasons. Using illustrated cards, they search for things like flowering plants, insect activity, shedding bark and more. This active and engaging task builds observation skills and strengthens connections with the environment and Aboriginal knowledges of seasonal changes. Each clue tells a small story about how plants and animals respond to the seasons.

Stone sorting challenge

How are rocks different from one another? In this hands-on activity, students explore, and sort rock samples based on texture, colour, weight or grain size. Using magnifiers and touch, they learn to classify natural materials just like young geologists. It’s a simple but powerful way to build vocabulary and observation skills through guided inquiry.

Mindful stone stacking

Balance, focus, and creativity come together in this calming nature-based challenge. Students use small rocks to build mini stone towers, exploring different textures and shapes as they go. They decorate their structures using natural materials like bark, feathers or leaves (without picking living plants). This activity encourages mindfulness and an appreciation for the slow, steady processes of the natural world.

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	Soil and the leaf cycle Stone sorting challenge	Bush walk including seasonal treasure hunt
11.45am	Bush walk including seasonal treasure hunt	Soil and the leaf cycle Stone sorting challenge
1.00pm	Lunch
1.30pm	Mindful stone stacking
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

Planet Earth is our home

• Observe and record daily weather to identify changes and patterns
• Investigate how seasonal patterns influence the behaviour and appearance of living things
• Describe the ways in which Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples use seasonal indicators
• Observe and identify rocks in natural formations and those used in built structures
• Manipulate different rocks and describe their texture, colour and grain or crystal size

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.