Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre

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

S3 Adaptations excursion

Students in mangroves

Adaptations excursion

Stage 3 Science: Living World

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Overview

Students will explore three different ecosystems and compare the features and adaptations that enable the living things to survive where they do. The importance of sustainable use of environments and Aboriginal land management practices will be examined. Students will also be learning through play with active games about adaptations and survival.

Special Note

It is recommended that this program be undertaken on a low tide day to enable the students to observe the crabs. Please ask our staff when you are making a booking.

Crab
Sundew Plant

Inquiry questions

How do physical conditions affect the survival of living things?

How do the structural and behavioural features of living things support survival?

Excursion locations

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

Bobbin Head

NOTE :Students will be supplied with a field journal to record information on the day. This can then be used to facilitate further discussion and work back at school.

Mangrove adaptations

Students will visit the mangrove forest to learn about the physical conditions of the mangrove ecosystem before investigating the adaptations the plants have to survive in the wet, saline conditions.

On low tide days, the students will be able to observe crabs that live on the mudflats to determine their structural and behavioural features.

Dry Forest and fire

During a bush walk, the students will consider the physical conditions of the dry sclerophyll forest leading to a discussion about the adaptations of plants and animals, particularly to bushfires.                                            

Rainforest ecosystems

Students will contrast the physical conditions of the rainforest to the other two ecosystems. Students will focus on the Powerful Owl and its adaptations for surviving in this environment. This will include an animal forms activity, enabling students to empathise with the animal and how it lives in this environment.

Adaptations game

Students will further develop their understanding of adaptations through game play that focuses on the interactions between organisms and the environment.

NOTE: Variations to timetable based on specific location

Time Classes A,B Classes C,D
10.00am

Acknowledgement of Country

Welcome, overview of the day
10.10am Morning Tea
10.30am Mangrove Investigation Predator/Prey Game
11.30am

Dry Forest Investigation

Rainforest investigation

 Mangrove Investigation
12.30pm Lunch
1.00pm Predator/Prey Game

Dry Forest Investigation

Rainforest investigation
2.00pm Conclusion and depart

Download the program flyer

Excursion locations 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 Bobbin Head
Supporting Resources
 Student activities (coming soon)
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:

> examines how the environment affects the growth, survival and adaptation of living things ST3-4LW-S

Content

Growth and survival of living things

Students:

  • Describe how changing physical conditions in the environment affect the growth and survival of living things

Adaptations of living things

Students:

  • describe adaptations as existing structures or behaviours that enable living things to survive in their environment (ACSSU043)
  • Describe the structural and/or behavioural features of some native Australian animals and plants and why they are considered to be adaptations, for example:

    - salt on mangrove leaves

    - large eyes of owls

    - eyes of crabs

 

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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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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