Program
Ecosystem scientist takes Stage 2 students on a journey into the fascinating world of living things and their interconnections.
In this hands-on, full-day incursion, students will rotate through three engaging activities: tracking wildlife through the signs they leave behind, unravelling the links in local food webs, and searching for invertebrates that play vital roles in the environment.
Guided by Gibberagong teachers, students will observe, investigate, and think like scientists as they deepen their understanding of how ecosystems function.
Learning intentions
Students are learning about:
- how scientists use evidence such as scats, tracks and other signs to identify and learn about the animals living in an environment
- the relationships that exist between animals and decomposers in an ecosystem, and why these connections are important
- how invertebrates contribute to the health and balance of ecosystems
Key information
Learning activities
Session 1: Tracks and scats
Students become nature detectives, learning how to identify animals by the clues they leave behind. By examining tracks and scat samples, they’ll discover which creatures live in their local area, what they eat, and how they move through their environment.
This activity sharpens observation skills and reveals how scientists study elusive wildlife without ever seeing the animals themselves.
Session 2: Wild photography
Photography is a great way to learn about the biodiversity of the school.
During this session, students will will be introduced to the techniques nature photographers use to capture great images before accessing the natural parts of the school grounds to take photographs.
Students will then have an opportunity edit and refine their images, which will be sent back to the school for further use or display.
Session 3: Invertebrate hunt
Armed with magnifiers and collecting equipment, students will head outdoors to search for the tiny creatures that play huge roles in our environment. They’ll identify and observe a variety of invertebrates, learning about their life cycles, habitats, and importance in keeping ecosystems healthy. This activity fosters curiosity, care, and respect for even the smallest forms of life.
Suggested timetable
| Time | Class A | Class B | Class C |
| 9.30am | Session 1 | Session 2 | Session 3 |
| 10.30am | Break 1 | ||
| 11.00am | Session 3 | Session 1 | Session 2 |
| 12.00pm | Break 2 | ||
| 12.30pm | Session 2 | Session 3 | Session 1 |
| 1.30pm | Finish | ||
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
- uses information to investigate the solar system and the effects of energy on living, physical and geological systems ST2-SCI-01
- ST2-DAT-01 uses and interprets data to describe patterns and relationships
Content
Living things depend on energy and materials to survive
- Describe the relationship between habitat, ecosystem and environment
- Observe and describe living and non-living things in a habitat
- Describe ways in which plants and animals depend on each other for survival
- Describe ways in which plants and animals depend on each other for survival
Cost and details
| Location | Your school |
| Cost |
2026 DoE $25 per student - GST free 2026 Non-gov school cost $30 per student - GST free NOTE: Minimum charge $500 per day/ 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. |
| Adverse weather | On days where the weather may be unsuitable, 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. |