Creating soil
This hands-on activity explores features of leaves and how their decomposition is a key to the creation of soil. During this activity, students will also investigate features of soil and the cycling of materials in soil.
Bush walk
Students will learn about invertebrates in the environment and the interconnected nature of invertebrates, habitat and other animals. Significant plants, animals and examples of erosion of the local area will be identified along the walk.
Invertebrate activity
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.
Erosion of earth’s layers
Using a birthday cake analogy, students will gain a clearer understanding of the different sandstone rock layers and propose erosional forces that transform these layers through an engaging activity that enables them to use the properties of the sandstone to colour in a diagram.
Cultural site visit
Students will hear of the interconnected nature of traditional Aboriginal people and the land during a visit to a cultural site. At an engraving site, the students will learn about the nature of the sandstone and how these sites are managed due to the impacts of weathering and erosion.
