Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre

Wonder, Engage, Inspire

Telephone02 9457 8245

Emailgibberagon-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au

ES1 Bush Explorers – Living Things

Bush Explorers - Living Things

NEW Science and Technology K-6 syllabus

This hands-on Early Stage 1 Science and Technology excursion engages young learners in exploring living things and their environment. Through guided discovery, students observe, question, and interact with nature, developing early scientific skills. The program supports key syllabus outcomes, including how plants and animals survive, how they move, and how they interact with their surroundings. This experience fosters curiosity, connection to nature, and a love for learning outdoors. During the bushwalk, students will take time for a quiet 'magic spot' to sit mindfully and observe the natural world using their senses. They will also listen to a picture book, ‘Searching for Cicadas.’


Inquiry questions

  • How do plants and animals get what they need to survive?
  • How can we observe and group living things based on their features and how they move?
  • How can we use our senses to explore and learn about living things in nature?


Excursion locations

This program is offered at one locations. Click on an image to find out more about the venue.

Learning Activities

Nature Walk including Bush Treasure Hunt

Embark on a bush adventure to uncover nature’s hidden treasures! With a special treasure hunt card, students will search for a range of natural objects. They will classify their finds and discuss which are living, once-living, or non-living. Through this exploration, students will also learn how Aboriginal Peoples have long used natural materials for tools, food, and shelter. Students find their own 'magic spot' to sit quietly in nature, using all their senses to listen, observe , and connect with the environment around them. Through stillness, they notice the small details of the natural world—like the rustle of leaves, movement of insects, or the warmth of the sun—and reflect on their experience.

Who Lives Here?

Discover the hidden world of animals in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park! Students become wildlife detectives, exploring different habitats to uncover tracks, feathers, burrows, and other signs of life. Using magnifying glasses and observation tools, they will classify their discoveries and learn how animals find food, water, and shelter to survive. This hands-on experience sparks curiosity about the diverse creatures that call the bush home.

Moving Like an Animal

How do kangaroos hop, birds glide, and insects crawl? In this interactive activity, students observe how different animals move and then take part in an engaging movement game. By mimicking and categorising various animal movements, they will explore how body structures help creatures adapt to their environment. This fun, energetic session deepens students’ understanding of survival in the wild.

Plant Detectives

Step into the role of a plant scientist! Students will investigate the fascinating world of leaves, flowers, and seeds, collecting and classifying different plant features. They will explore why leaves have different shapes, how plants grow, and how Aboriginal Peoples have used native plants for food, tools, and medicine. This sensory-based activity encourages observation and appreciation of the unique adaptations of plants.


Sample Timetable

NOTE: Variations to timetable based on specific location, group size and weather

Time Class A & B Class C & D
10.00am Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome, Overview of the day
10.10am Morning Tea
10.30am Bushwalk (magic spot & who lives here) Story, treasure hunt, plant detectives & moving like an animal
12.15pm Lunch
12.45pm Story, treasure hunt, plant detectives & moving like an animal Bushwalk (magic spot & who lives here)
2.00pm Conclusion and depart

Download the program flyer

Excursion locations

Muogamarra Nature Reserve, Cowan (Terms 2 and 3 only)

Bobbin Head

Kalkari Discovery Centre

West Head

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

2025 DoE $20 per student - GST free

2025 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

Class numbers and size

Up to 4 classes

Max. 30 students per class

Risk Assessments

View the sample risk assessment

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 arrangments.
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.

Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus 

Outcomes (2024)

A student:

> identifies and describes characteristics of living things, properties of materials, and movement STE-SCI-01

> poses questions based on observations to collect data STE-PQU-01

Content

Observations and questions spark curiosity

Living things have characteristics that help them survive in their environment

  • Describe how living things get air, water and energy to survive in their environment
  • Recognise that plants produce their own food, and animals need to find their food
  • Examine flowers, fruit, leaves, roots and stems of plants and describe their purpose
  • Examine animal bodies, their body coverings, and how and what they eat
  • Observe and group animals based on their characteristics and justify the grouping
  • Describe ways Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples use Knowledges of the characteristics of plants and animals to survive
  • Pose questions to compare the characteristics of living things and non-living things

Living things and objects move in different ways

  • Observe, describe and categorise the ways in which living things move

Observations and questions initiate design and digital solutions

Understanding user needs inspires design and digital solutions

  • Examine designed structures that animals build to help them survive in their environment

Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2025