Inquiry questions
How do physical conditions affect the survival of living things?
How do the structural and behavioural features of living things support survival?
Learning Activities
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. This will lead into an exploration of the adaptations of plants and animals found there. Students will also learn about bushfires and the adaptations of plants to these conditions.
Students will also visit cultural sites to learn about Aboriginal land management practices and how they used their vast knowledge of the plants and animals to change the physical conditions using fire.
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.
Adaptations game
After lunch, students will further develop their understanding of adaptations through game play that focuses on the interactions between organisms and the environment.
Sample Timetable
NOTE: Variations to timetable based on specific location
| Time |
Classes A,B |
Classes C,D |
| 10.00am |
Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome, Overview of |
| 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 |
Teacher Information
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 |
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 |
Bobbin Head
COVID
|
| 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. |
Syllabus outcomes and content
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
