Inquiry questions
What features can we use to group different living things?
How can invertebrates be grouped?
How are animals interdependent with their environment?
Learning Activities
Explore Kalkari
Kalkari Visitors Centre provides the students with an opportunity to learn about the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The students will also be able to observe a range of preserved animals and remains of animals to get a sense of the type of animals that call the Park home and how they can be classified. Within the Centre, students will also be able to observe Aboriginal tools and weapons and learn about Aboriginal engravings - a significant feature of the Park.
Bushwalk - Kalkari - to Bobbin Head
Students will learn about invertebrates in the environment and the interconnected nature of invertebrates, habitat and other animals through observations of the Brush Turkey at Kalkari. Significant plants and animals of the local area will be identified along the walk and students will be asked to list these into different groups. Students will hear of the interconnected nature of traditional Aboriginal People and the land.
Invertebrate Hunt
Students will work in groups to conduct an invertebrate survey in a bush habitat. If students are using cooperative learning teams the role for each member will be revised. Together the class will negotiate a code for caring for ethical and safe handling methods. Students will record the name and draw the observable features of the invertebrates they find. They will also collect a tally of the total number of that species found in their area. Students will use a simple dichotomous key to correctly identify the invertebrate species.
Scratch Art
Students will work individually to observe the amazing patterns in nature and recreate these on a piece of scratch art paper. This will include looking at the similarities and differences of some of the plant leaves found in the local area. This art work can then be taken home as a memory of the day or used later in class when reflecting.
Excursion Locations
This program is offered at the following locations. Click on an image to find out more.
Sample Timetable
NOTE: Variations to timetable based on specific location, group size and weather
| Time |
Classes A, B, C, D |
| 10.00am |
Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome, Overview of the day |
| 10.10am |
Morning Tea |
| 10.30am |
Explore Kalkari Visitors Centre |
| 12.30pm |
Bushwalk to Bobbin Head and invertebrate hunt |
| 1.2.30pm |
Lunch |
| 1.00pm |
Bushwalk continues and scratch art |
| 2.00pm |
Conclusion and depart |
Teacher Information
Download the program flyer
| Excursion locations |
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 |
2024 DoE $20 per student - GST free
2024 Non-gov school cost $25 per student - GST free, minimum charge $600 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 |
Kalkari to Bobbin Head |
| Social Stories |
Kalkari to Bobbin 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:
> compares features and characteristics of living and non-living things ST2-4LW
Content
Classification of living things
Students:
- Collect data and identify patterns to group living things according to their external features, and distinguish them from non-living things (ACSSU044)
- Identify that science involves making predictions and describing patterns and relationships (ACSHE050, ACSHE061)
Survival of living things
Students:
- describe how living things depend on each other and the environment to survive, for example (ACSSU073)
- brush turkeys and invertebrates
- bees and flowers
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
