Bird adaptations

Students using materials to create a bird beak

Program

Our full day Bird adaptations Stage 3 incursion brings hands-on science learning directly to your school, aligned with the K–6 Science and Technology syllabus (2024).

Students will discover the remarkable structural and behavioural adaptations of birds through three engaging activities: investigating the powerful owl and exploring birds in their own school grounds, experimenting with beak designs inspired by The Best Beaks in Boonaroo Bay, and playing interactive games to uncover how animals adapt to survive.

This dynamic program combines real-world observation, creative problem-solving, and active learning to inspire curiosity about the natural world and the unique ways animals thrive in their environments.

Learning intentions

Students are learning about:

the structural and behavioural adaptations of birds that help them to survive in their environment
why different bird species have different shaped beaks, and how this affects what they eat
the ways birds in our local environment are adapted to live alongside people

Key information

Learning activities

Session 1: Best beaks challenge

Focused around the text 'The Best Beaks in Boonaroo Bay' students will learn about animal adaptations and in particular how beaks are shaped according to the feeding requirements of individual birds. Students will then be challenged to create and test their own beaks to perform different feeding tasks This activity sharpens observation skills and reveals how scientists study elusive wildlife without ever seeing the animals themselves.

Session 2: Adaptations games

Through a series of interactive, movement-based games, students will investigate the many ways birds and other animals have adapted to survive in diverse environments. This active session encourages teamwork, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of how structural and behavioural adaptations support life in different ecosystems.

Session 3: School bird survey

Students will be introduced to the powerful owl, Australia’s largest owl, and discover the fascinating adaptations that help it hunt and survive. Using binoculars, they will then take a walk around their school grounds to investigate local bird species, using their observation skills to identify different birds and recognise how adaptations help them thrive in urban environments.

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

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
ST3-CWT-01 Creates written texts to communicate understanding of scientific and technological concepts and processes

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

Creating written explanations of concepts and processes supports understanding of Science and Technology

Use compound and complex sentences and labelled diagrams to create a text that explains a process, concept or investigation

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 the following school areas: one learning space/classroom for all participating classes for the duration of the day. an outdoor space (basketball court/oval) for the games
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.