S4 Classification and adaptations
Science
Program
Join us for an engaging Stage 4 Science excursion to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, where students will delve into the fascinating world of classification and adaptations through immersive, hands-on experiences.
Aligned with the Science syllabus (2023), this program enables students to use a range of scientific tools and dichotomous keys—tools that help classify species - to investigate local plants and animals up close, focusing on how to classify them and what adaptations help them survive. The students will enhance their scientific skills by observing, conducting investigations, and communicating their findings.
Finally, the students will visit a cultural site and learn how the local Aboriginal People classify plants and animals based on their roles in the environment and their cultural importance.
Learning intentions
Students are learning about:
- the structural features of local native plant species and how they differ between groups
- how these features enable these plants to adapt to their environment
- how a local native animal species is adapted to living in its environment
- how observations of local animals may be used to make inferences
- how native plants classified by local Aboriginal Peoples
Key information
Learning activities
Mangrove classification and adaptations
What are the structural features of local native plant species and how do they differ between groups? How do these features enable these plants to adapt to their environment? Students will carry out a scientific investigation of the two local mangrove species located in the wetlands of Bobbin Head. Through close observation of the structural characteristics such as leaves, roots, stems, and flowers, the students will use a dichotomous key to identify the plants and then use data to draw conclusions about how these features help the plants adapt to the difficult environmental conditions of the wetland.
Animal classification and adaptations
How is a local native animal adapted to living in its environment? How may observations of local animals be used to make inferences? Students will conduct a scientific investigation of a local animal species. Through careful observations of the structural and behavioural features, students will use this primary data to make inferences about how these features allow the animal to adapt to the environmental conditions.
Plant adaptations
What are the structural features of local native plant species and how do they differ between groups? How do these features enable these plants to adapt to their environment? Students will carry out a scientific investigation of native plants found in the eucalypt forest. Utilising their senses and fieldwork tools, including a plant guidebook and a dichotomous key, they will identify selected plants by observing and measuring their structural characteristics. The students will then use this primary data to draw conclusions about how these features enable the plants to adapt to their environmental conditions.
Aboriginal connections to Country
How are native plants classified by local Aboriginal Peoples? Along the way, students will explore local Aboriginal Peoples use of native plants through sensory and hands-on activities. By drawing on their observations and experiences, they will gain a firsthand understanding of how Aboriginal Peoples classify plants based on their uses.
Suggested timetable
| Time | Class A, B | Class C, D |
| 10am | Acknowledgement of Country, Overview of the day | |
| 10.10am | Morning tea | |
| 10.30am | Mangrove classification and adaptations | Plant adaptations |
| 11.15am | Animal adaptations | Aboriginal connections and classification |
| 12.00pm | Lunch | |
| 12.30pm | Plant adaptations | Mangrove classification and adaptations |
| 1.15pm | Aboriginal connections and classification | Animal adaptations |
| 2.00pm | Departure | |
* Please call the centre if you have more than 4 classes
Syllabus outcomes
Science 7-10 Syllabus (2023)
Outcomes
- SC4-CLS-01 describes the unique features of cells in living things and how structural features can be used to classify organisms
- SC4-WS-01 uses scientific tools and instruments for observations
- SC4-WS-04 follows a planned procedure to undertake safe and valid investigations
- SC4-WS-08 communicates scientific concepts and ideas using a range of communication forms
Content
Classification of living things
- Classify species using scientific conventions from the binomial system of classification, including kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus and species
- Conduct an investigation to observe and identify the similarities and differences of structural features within and between groups of organisms
- Investigate how organisms in an Australian habitat are adapted to their environment and document findings in a written scientific report
- Interpret dichotomous keys to identify organisms surveyed in an Australian habitat
- Explain how plants and animals are classified in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures based on their uses, forms and functions
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 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, mask. 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. |
