Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre

Wonder, Engage, Inspire

Telephone02 9457 8245

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

The Earth’s Environment: Forest Features

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Geography: The earth's environment
Science and technology: Living World

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Overview

The Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is one of Australia's most spectacular and important areas of land.

During the walk from Kalkari to Bobbin Head, the students will explore three different forest types and use a range of geographical tools to investigate the animals, plants and the relationships between them.

Students in the bush
Students a Scribbly Gum

Inquiry questions

What animals are found in the forests of this National Park

What types of forests are found here and what are their features?

How do these forests and animals interact?

How can we protect these plants and animals?

Excursion locations

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

Kalkari to Bobbin Head

Explore Kalkari

Kalkari Visitors Centre provides the students with an opportunity to learn about the features and Aboriginal history of this area of Sydney. Within the building, the students will be able to observe and record a range of preserved animals that are found in the forests.

Bush walk - Kalkari to Bobbin Head

Students will use a variety of fieldwork tools to gather and record observations  and enter these in a fieldwork journal that can be taken home or utilised back at school. These include sketching, mapping, scratch-art and an investigation of the invertebrates of the bush. During the walk, caring for the environment will be modelled through walking on paths and ensuring all rubbish is taken home.

Aboriginal connections will explored through the identification of bush resources and language during the walk with students able to learn about some traditional uses of plants from the area.

Bobbin Head Mangroves

The walk concludes with a visit to the mangrove ecosystem at Bobbin Head, home to a variety of different animals including fish, crabs and birds. During the exploration of the boardwalk area, the students will learn why this is such an important area and how they can protect areas like this when visiting.

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 Bush walk and fieldwork activities
1.2.30pm Lunch
1.00pm Bushwalk and fieldwork continues
1.30pm Bobbin Head mangroves
2.00pm Conclusion and depart

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

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.
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.

Geography K-10 Syllabus 

Outcomes

A student:

> examines features and characteristics of places and environments GE2-1

> describes the ways people, places and environments interact GE2-2

> acquires and communicates geographical information using geographical tools for inquiry GE2-4

Content

Significance of environments

Students:

  • investigate the importance of natural vegetation and natural resources to the environment, animals and people, for example: (ACHGK021, ACHGK022, ACHGK024)


    - identification of types of natural vegetation e.g. forests, grasslands, deserts
    - explanation of the importance of natural vegetation to animals and the functioning of the environment e.g. provision of habitats, production of oxygen

    - discussion of the importance of natural vegetation and natural resources

Science and technology K-6 Syllabus 

Outcomes

A student:

> compares features and characteristics of living and non-living things ST2-4LW

Content

Survival of living things

Students:

  • describe how living things depend on each other and the environment to survive, for example (ACSSU073)

 

Geography K-10 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2015

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

 

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Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre

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We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work. We would like to pay our respects to the Elders, past, present and emerging and acknowledge our Aboriginal Elders and knowledge holders who have helped us to understand the special connection Aboriginal Peoples have with the land.

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