The Earth's Surface
Science and Technology: Earth and Space
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?
Learning Activities
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.
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 |
Making soil |
| 12.30pm |
Bush walk which includes invertebrate activity, erosion of earth's layers and a cultural site visit |
| 1.2.30pm |
Lunch |
| 1.00pm |
Bushwalk continues |
| 2.00pm |
Conclusion and depart |
Teacher Information
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 |
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
|
| Risk Assessments |
Kalkari to Bobbin Head
West Head
COVID
|
| 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. |
Syllabus outcomes and content
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
