Augmented reality studio HPGE | Stage 2–3 Creative Arts and Science and Technology

Program activities

Activities may change to suit student needs, invertebrate availability, timing and weather conditions.

Invertebrate fieldwork

Students explore Field of Mars Reserve to investigate invertebrates and the places they live. They search leaf litter, bark, soil, logs and vegetation and record observations about shelter, food, camouflage, movement and behaviour.

Features, behaviours and survival

Students compare invertebrates and the habitats where they were found. They use observable evidence to explain how external features and behaviours may help small animals move, feed, sense their surroundings, avoid predators and survive.

Digital specimen

Students use Field of Mars EEC iPads and digital pencils to create a detailed scientific artwork of an invertebrate. They observe body shape, legs, antennae, wings, colour, texture and segments before using labels and annotations to communicate scientific information.

Students refine their digital specimen using composition, scale, proportion, detail and scientific vocabulary.

Augmented reality studio

Students use augmented reality and video applications to transform their digital specimen into a multimodal science explanation. They write a short script, record narration, add movement and combine visual effects with information about the invertebrate’s habitat, features, behaviours and survival.

Completed videos and digital drawings are shared with the school through Google Drive.

Timetable

Time	Activities
9.15	Arrival
9.30–10.15	Invertebrate fieldwork
10.15–10.30	Recess
10.30–12.00	Invertebrate features and digital specimen
12.00–12.30	Lunch
12.30–2.00	Augmented reality studio
2.15	Student collection and departure

The timetable may be adjusted according to participant numbers, invertebrate availability, environmental conditions and the needs of participating students.

Syllabus outcomes and content

Students will learn to

• conduct a field investigation using appropriate observation techniques
• observe and describe living and non-living features within invertebrate habitats
• collect, organise and interpret field observations and evidence
• identify and compare observable invertebrate body structures and behaviours
• explain how structural and behavioural features may support survival
• use digital drawing tools and artistic conventions to represent observed subject matter
• use scientific vocabulary, annotations, narration and visual effects to communicate information
• create a multimodal science explanation using digital artwork, augmented reality and video.

The program supports the Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus (2024) and Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus (2024) through field investigation, observation, living systems, adaptations, digital artmaking and multimodal scientific communication.

Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus (2024) – Stage 2

Visual Arts

Outcome

• CA2-VIS-01 – Makes artworks using art forms to represent subject matter and ideas, and describes ways artists convey ideas about their world to audiences through artworks

Content addressed

Making: Artists represent their world through subject matter and ideas in artworks

• Represent subject matter and ideas in artworks, making choices based on own interpretations of the world
• Use drawing materials and techniques to create effects with texture and tone to represent subject matter and ideas
• Explore digital tools to make or manipulate still or moving images, text and/or sounds
• Explore balance, scale and proportion in compositions to represent subject matter and ideas

Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus (2024) – Stage 2

Physical and living systems depend on energy

Outcomes

• ST2-SCI-01 – Uses information to investigate the solar system and the effects of energy on living, physical and geological systems
• ST2-DAT-01 – Uses and interprets data to describe patterns and relationships

Relevant content addressed

Living things depend on energy and materials to survive

• Observe and describe living and non-living things in a habitat

Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus (2024) – Stage 3

Visual Arts

Outcome

• CA3-VIS-01 – Makes artworks in intentional ways to represent ideas about their world, and explains ways artists are influenced by contexts and how artworks are interpreted by audiences

Content addressed

Making: Artists represent their world in intentional ways through their artmaking practice

• Represent ideas or perspectives of their world and intentions in own artmaking practice
• Use drawing materials and techniques to create artistic effects to represent subject matter or ideas in intentional ways
• Apply understandings of materials, digital technologies and processes to represent intended ideas in artworks
• Explore artistic conventions and ways to represent subject matter and ideas in compositions

Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus (2024) – Stage 3

Knowledge of our world and beyond inspires sustainable solutions

Outcomes

• ST3-SCI-01 – Uses evidence to explain how scientific knowledge can be used to develop sustainable practices
• ST3-DAT-01 – Interprets data to support explanations and arguments

Relevant content addressed

Living things may change over millions of years, in response to their environments

• Observe behavioural and structural adaptations of plants and animals, and suggest how these may help them survive in their environments
• Interpret evidence collected during investigations to support explanations about living things and their environments

Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus (2024) © NSW Education Standards Authority for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2024

Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus (2024)⁠ © NSW Education Standards Authority for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2024

Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary

analyse, annotate, compare, communicate, describe, evidence, explain, infer, investigate, observe, record, refine, represent, adaptation, augmented reality, behavioural adaptation, camouflage, digital specimen, exoskeleton, external feature, habitat, invertebrate, microhabitat, multimodal, narration, structural adaptation, survival

Program costs, eligibility and booking

Cost

$60 per student – GST free

Program costs are processed through each student’s home school.

Program costs may change. If program costs change after you book, you will be charged at the original cost.

Eligibility

This program is available to Stage 2 and Stage 3 students enrolled in NSW Department of Education schools.

Schools should select students who demonstrate strong interest or potential in biological science, field investigation, digital illustration, scientific communication or multimedia creation. Selection should consider curiosity and potential, not only prior achievement.

Dates and booking

Augmented reality studio is offered on selected HPGE program dates. Check available dates and remaining places before selecting students.

View HPGE program dates and remaining places

Cancellations

Less than 4 weeks notice – full cost (excluding HPGE programs in Term 1, Weeks 3–5)

Weather or fire danger cancellation – $0

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Student numbers, supervision and support

Student numbers

A school may nominate up to twelve students for each HPGE program day.

Places are limited and subject to the remaining program capacity.

Supervision

Classroom teachers are not required to attend but are welcome.

Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre teachers supervise students throughout the program. Schools must provide a teacher or school learning support officer when a student requires additional assistance to participate safely and successfully.

Student information

Schools must provide accurate medical, allergy, medication, emergency contact, collection and support information for every participating student.

Student details must be confirmed at least seven working school days before the program. Changes can be made using the edit-submission link provided with the booking confirmation.

Support and adjustments

Notify Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre before the program about any mobility, sensory, communication, behavioural, medical or learning support requirements. Staff can discuss reasonable adjustments and suitable participation options.

What to bring, arrival and transport

Students should bring

School sports uniform, backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunscreen, raincoat, hat and sturdy shoes.

Arrival and departure

Students should be dropped off by 9.15 am and collected at 2.15 pm.

A teacher, parent or responsible adult must supervise students until they have been received by Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre staff.

Transport and parking

Schools and families are responsible for transport to and from Field of Mars Reserve.

Cars must park in the main car park beside Pittwater Road. Students and accompanying adults then walk along the access road to the centre.

View Field of Mars Reserve location and access information

Risk management, weather and cancellations

Risk management

The program includes indoor digital activities, bushland field investigations, walking near natural vegetation and creeks, observing invertebrates and using iPads and digital pencils.

Schools should review the Field of Mars Reserve risk management information when planning student participation and transport.

Students who are unwell should not attend.

View the Field of Mars Reserve risk management plan⁠

View Field of Mars Reserve location and access information

⁠Weather

The program may be modified, postponed or cancelled because of predicted extreme temperatures, bush fire danger, heavy rainfall, high winds or dust storms.

Field activities may continue in light rain when conditions are safe. Students must bring a waterproof raincoat.

Families may be directed to the Westminster Road entrance when flooding prevents access through the main entrance.

View Westminster Road entrance information