Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre

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S1 Living Things – Lifecycles & Classification

Students learning outside

Living Things – Lifecycles & Classification

NEW Science and Technology K-6 syllabus

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This hands-on excursion explores life cycles and classification through storytelling, nature exploration, and creative activities. Using Franki and the Banksia, students will discover how plants and animals grow and change while exploring Muogamarra Nature Reserve or Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. They will observe banksia trees, hunt for invertebrates, classify living things, and create clay creatures and learning from Aboriginal Knowledges on seasonal life cycles.

Butterfly on flower
Yellow-tailed Black-cockatoo

Inquiry questions

  • How do plants and animals change throughout their life cycles, and what do they need to survive?
  • How do scientists classify living things, and why is classification important in understanding nature?
  • How do Aboriginal Peoples use seasonal changes to understand plant and animal life cycles?

Excursion locations

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

Learning Activities

Storytime & Nature Detective Challenge

Students will listen to Franki and the Banksia to explore banksia life cycles and their role in the ecosystem. They will discuss how banksias grow, and which animals depend on them before becoming Nature Detectives. Using mini magnifiers and Nature Journals, they will search for and record:

  • A seed, seedling, or flowering plant (e.g., banksia cones at different stages)
  • An insect or invertebrate (e.g., cicada shell, ant trail, spider web)
  • Evidence of an animal’s life cycle (e.g., feathers, nests, burrows)

Students will sketch, classify, and discuss their discoveries, connecting their findings to how plants and animals grow and change just like in the story.

Bushwalk including Invertebrate Hunt & Classification

On a guided bushwalk, students will the explore the forest to find native invertebrates like ants, beetles, and cicada shells. Using mini magnifiers observe and discuss how invertebrates pollinate, decompose, and support the ecosystem. During the bushwalk, students will take time for a quiet 'magic spot' to sit mindfully and observe the natural world using their senses.

Build-A-Creature: Clay Model Activity

Students will design and sculpt a clay model of a real or imaginary plant or animal inspired by Franki and the Banksia. They will consider features that help their creature survive, such as wings for flight or spikes for protection. After crafting, students will present their creatures, explaining their role in the ecosystem.

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 Storytime & Nature Detective Challenge Bushwalk including Invertebrate Hunt & Classification
11.45am Bushwalk including Invertebrate Hunt & Classification Storytime & Nature Detective Challenge
1.00pm Lunch
1.30pm Build-A-Creature: Clay Model Activity
2.00pm Conclusion and depart

Download the program flyer

Excursion locations

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

West Head

Bobbin Head

Kalkari to Bobbin 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:

> measures and describes changes in living things, materials, movement, Earth and the sky ST1-SCI-01

> poses questions based on observations and information to investigate cause and effect ST1-PQU-01

> collects, represents and uses data to identify patterns and relationships ST1-DAT-01

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
  • Describe how Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples use Knowledges of the life cycles of livings things

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

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