Learning activities

Mangrove Forest

Explore the unique mangrove ecosystem and discover how trees and crabs survive in salty, tidal conditions. You'll examine features like breathing roots and floating seeds. Students will also learn about crabs and their adaptations like eyes on stalks and camouflage shells.

Forest Ecosystem Walk

Compare two forest environments and investigate how plants have adapted to different conditions. In the Low Open Forest, observe spiky leaves, woody seed pods, and other features that help plants conserve water and survive fire. In the moist, shady rainforest, examine large leaves and high canopies that support life in low light. Use magnifiers and your senses to closely explore bark, leaves, and seeds, and consider how each environment shapes life.

Animal Adaptation Session

Get up close with live and preserved animal specimens, including phasmids, taxidermy sugar gliders and owls, and invertebrates set in clear resin. Rotate through stations to draw, observe, and record their adaptations using hand lenses, microscopes, and visual clues. Discover how features like gliding membranes, camouflage, and specialised body parts help animals survive in their environments.

Predator–Prey Game

Become part of a food web! Play a game where you act as a possum or a Powerful Owl. See how predator and prey populations change and discover how behaviour can mean the difference between survival and extinction.

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	Mangrove Forest & Crab Investigation	Animal Adaptation Session Predator Prey Game
11.30am	Forest Ecosystem Walk	Mangrove Forest & Crab Investigation
12.30pm	Lunch
1.00pm	Animal Adaptation Session Predator Prey Game	Forest Ecosystem Walk
2.00pm	Conclusion and depart

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

Syllabus outcomes

Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus (2024)

Outcomes

• ST3-SCI-01 uses evidence to explain how scientific knowledge can be used to develop sustainable practices
• ST3-DAT-01 interprets data to support explanations and arguments

Content

Living things may change over millions of years, in response to their environments

• Observe behavioural and structural adaptations of plants and animals, and suggest how these may help them survive in their environments
• Examine and explain how the characteristics of flowers, fruit and seeds are adaptations for reproduction in plants
• Interpret a food web that describes the flow of matter and energy between plants and animals in an ecosystem
• Identify and describe how the loss or introduction of plants or animals affects an Australian ecosystem
• Examine evidence that environments have changed over time and continue to change
• Describe how Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ sustainable practices continue to protect the environment

Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus (2017)

Outcomes

ST3-4LW-S examines how the environment affects the growth, survival and adaptation of living things

Content

Growth and survival of living things

• Describe how changing physical conditions in the environment affect the growth and survival of living things

Adaptations of living things

• describe adaptations as existing structures or behaviours that enable living things to survive in their environment (ACSSU043)
• Describe the structural and/or behavioural features of some native Australian animals and plants and why they are considered to be adaptations, for example:

- salt on mangrove leaves

- large eyes of owls

- eyes of crabs

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.