Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre

Wonder, Engage, Inspire

Telephone02 9457 8245

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

The Earth’s Surface (formerly Beneath Our Feet)

Students at West Head

The earth's surface excursion

Science and Technology: Earth and Space

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Overview

Set in the striking landscapes of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, this hands-on fieldwork experience immerses Stage 2 students in the world of weathering, erosion, and human impacts.

Guided by experienced DoE teachers, students explore natural rock formations, examine soil components, and investigate the processes that has changed the Earth's surface over time.

Linked directly to the NSW Science syllabus, Earth’s Surface supports inquiry-based learning and inspires students to think critically about caring for places. This is a fun, educational day out that brings Earth science to life in a real-world setting.

Rock rubbing
wave rock

Inquiry questions

What are the characteristics of soil and how is it formed?

How have the features of the park changed over time?

How can we help protect the park?

Excursion locations

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

Bobbin Head
Muogamarra
Kalkari to Bobbin Head
West Head

NOTE: The following learning activities are a guide as each excursion site presents different opportunities.

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 the environment and the interconnected nature of invertebrates, habitat and other animals. Significant plants and animals of the local area will be identified along the walk.

They will also observe evidence of weathering, erosion and deposition, including the formation of caves. 

Students will learn about and observe the impacts of human activity, particularly how people's actions can affect the national park, and how the park is managed to reduce this impact.

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.

Cultural site visit

Students will visit and Aboriginal engraving site to learn about the cultural and historical significance of the site, how weathering and erosion are impacting them and their management.

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
10.30pm Bush walk  which includes soil activity, invertebrate activity, erosion of earth's layers and a cultural site visit
12.30pm Lunch 
1.00pm Bushwalk continues
2.00pm Conclusion and depart

Download the program flyer

Excursion locations

Kalkari to 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

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

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.

Science and technology K-6 Syllabus 

Outcomes

A student:

> Investigates regular changes caused by interactions between the Earth and the sun, and changes to the earth’s surface ST2-10ES-S

Content

Earth and space

Students:

  • Investigate why the Earth’s surface changes over time as a result of natural processes and human activity (ACSSU075)
  • Identify that scientific knowledge helps people understand the effect of their actions (ACSHE051, ACSHE062)

 

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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