Inquiry questions
What plants and animals live in the local bushland?
What are the features of these plants and animals?
What do they need to survive in their environment?
What can we do to help local living things to survive?
Learning Activities
Bushwalk
Students will investigate the features of the plants and animals in the local bushland through a variety of hands-on and sensory learning experiences which includes using plant ID charts and magnifiers. Students will learn about Aboriginal Peoples use of plants and animals to understand the importance of country for Aboriginal Peoples. Students will listen to a story and participate in a magic spot activity to facilitate a sense of wonder of the natural world, helping students to feel.
Invertebrate Survey
Students will work in groups to conduct an invertebrate survey in a bush habitat. Together the class will negotiate a code for caring for ethical and safe handling methods. They will also collect a tally of the total number of that species found in their area. Students will use ID charts and keys to correctly identify the invertebrate species.
Create a Bug
Students will use some of the natural materials around them to recreate their invertebrate. Through this process, the students will be able to describe some of the external features of invertebrates.
Sample Timetable
NOTE: Variations to timetable based on specific location, group size and weather
| Time |
Classes A, B |
Classes C, D |
| 10.00am |
Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome, Overview of the day |
| 10.10am |
Morning Tea |
| 10.30am |
Invertebrate Survey |
Bush walk
|
| 11.30am |
Bush walk
|
Invertebrate Survey |
| 1.00pm |
Lunch |
| 1.30pm |
Create a Bug |
| 2.00pm |
Conclusion and depart |
Teacher Information
Download the program flyer
| Excursion locations |
Bobbin Head
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 |
2023 DoE $15 per student - GST free
2023 Non-gov school cost $25 per student - GST free, minimum charge $575 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 |
Bobbin Head
West Head
COVID
|
| Social Stories |
Bobbin Head
West Head
|
Supporting Resources
|
Student activities |
| 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. |
Syllabus outcomes and content
Science and technology K-6 Syllabus
Outcomes
A student:
> observes, questions and collects data to communicate and compare ideas ST1-1WS-S
> describes observable features of living things and their environments ST1-4LW-S
> identifies how plants and animals are used for food and fibre products ST1-5LW-T
Content
Working Scientifically
Students:
- explore and answer questions through participation in guided scientific investigations
- compare observations with those of others
- make safe choices when using materials and equipment
External features of living things
Students:
- describe the external features of a variety of living things (ACSSU017)
- Identify and group plants and animals using their external features
Living things live in different places
Students:
- identify that living things live in different places that suit their needs (ACSSU211)
Plants and animals used for food and fibre
Students:
- explore the plants and animals used in customary practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
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, 2017
