Life cycles and classification

Program

In this engaging Stage 1 incursion, students will become mini-explorers, venturing into their own school grounds to discover the fascinating invertebrates living in trees and leaf litter.

Using a variety of equipment, they will carefully find, capture, and observe, using magnifiers, these important animals in their natural habitats.

They will compare the life stages of different animals and describe how their external features change as they grow, deepening their understanding of life cycles and the diversity of living things.

Learning intentions

Students are learning about:

how plants and animals change throughout their life cycles, and what they need to survive
how scientists classify living things, and why classification is important in understanding nature

Key information

Learning activities

Invertebrates features

The program commences with a short presentation about the different types of invertebrates, their features, where they live, and the amazing reproductive behaviour of these insects. The students will also meet a live leaf insect (phasmid).

Invertebrate hunt

Students will work in groups to search for invertebrates in trees, leaf litter and gardens around the school. The collected invertebrates will be examined using magnifiers and identified using ID charts.

Collected specimens study

Students will brings some of the invertebrates that they collected into the classroom and they will be magnified onto a IWB for the class to view and discuss.

During this time, students will also be able to examine a variety of sample invertebrates in perspex to explore the similarities and differences between invertebrates.

Suggested timetable

Time	Classes
9.30am - 11.00am	Class A and B
11.00am - 11.30am	Break 1
11.30am - 1.00pm	Class C and D
1.00pm - 1.30pm	Break 2
1.30pm - 3.00pm	Class E and F

*NOTE: Gibberagong staff can work within established school times on the day. Please contact the Centre to discuss.

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

Cost and details


Location	Your school
Cost	2026 DoE $15 per student - GST free 2026 Non-gov school cost $25 per student - GST free, minimum charge $750 per class.
Risk Assessments	A complete risk assessment will be sent upon confirmation.
Preparation	Please provide one learning space/classroom for all participating classes for the duration of the day. Please ensure the space has a smart board.
What to bring	Backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunblock, raincoat, hat, sturdy shoes, mask. Students wear reusable name tag and 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 arrangments.
Medical notifications	Notify Gibberagong EEC by completing and returning the medical form before the incursion. This form will be sent out upon confirmation of booking.