Entomologist HPGE enrichment program
Stage 2 and 3 Science and technology
Program overview
This workshop provides a deep dive into the world of invertebrates, including ecology, anatomy, taxonomy, and conservation. Students collaborate with an entomologist to document findings and construct a mounted model invertebrate.
Learning intention
- We are learning to identify invertebrates.
- We are learning how to represent the details of living things in artworks.
Activities
Invertebrate walk
The focus of this short walk is for students to observe invertebrates in their natural habitats. The needs of invertebrates and their role in a bushland environment will be emphasised.
Invertebrate investigation
Students will work as entomologists to conduct an investigation of different habitats in the Field of Mars Reserve.
They will examine their collected specimens using a range of magnifying devices.
Participants will work with an entomologist to explore invertebrate anatomy, taxonomy, and conservation. They will encounter a range of invertebrates including stick insects, burrowing cockroaches, beetle larvae, scorpions, huntsmans, Australian tarantula, centipedes, isopods, and crayfish.
Invertebrate anatomy and models
Students will collect invertebrates using a range of fieldwork techniques including pitfall traps, leaf litter digs, and arboreal vegetation shakes.
Students will examine their collected specimens using magnifying devices and record their findings in a take-home nature journal.
Based on their observations, students will construct an anatomically correct model of a real or imaginary invertebrate. Students will use a range of materials such as modelling clay, plasticine, or other materials to construct their models.
Upon completion, students will mount their model in a box frame to take home.
This program is only available to NSW Department of Education school students.
One day workshop - Stage 2 and 3
2026
Term 1 - Week 3
Thursday 12th February - capacity 60 students (52 spots remaining)
Additional dates coming soon.
Maximum 8 students per school (DoE schools only)
Location
Field of Mars Reserve
Main location – including risk assessment, maps and track overview.
Teachers or parents will need to drop off and pick up students.
Westminster Road alternate entrance
This entrance or exit offers access during severe high tides and heavy rainfall events that cause flooding on the main Pittwater Road entrance.
Essential information
Cost and details
Cost |
$60 per student - GST free This will be processed through the student's home school. This program is only available to NSW Department of Education school students. |
Transport |
Schools are required to organise transport for students to and from the location. No vehicles are permitted into Field of Mars Reserve. |
Staff |
Teachers are not required to attend. |
Bring |
Sports uniform, backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunblock, raincoat, hat, sturdy shoes, reusable name tag. |
View |
Preparing for your excursion |
Welfare |
Participants will be walking during the day on an accessible boardwalk. Wheelchair accessible. May not suit recently unwell participants. For medical or special needs notify staff prior to program. |
Extreme or wet weather |
Program may be modified, postponed or cancelled due to predicted extreme temperatures, bush fire danger, heavy rainfall, high winds or dust storms. |
Booking policy |
Confirm student details 7 days in advance. |
Cancellation fee |
Less than 4 weeks notice – full cost Weather or fire danger cancellation – $0 |
Suggested timetable
Time |
Activities |
|
| 9.15 | Arrival | |
| 9.30 - 10.15 | Invertebrate walk | |
| 10.15 - 10.30 | Recess | |
| 10.30 - 12.00 |
Group 1 Invertebrate investigation with entomologist |
Group 2 Invertebrate anatomy and model construction |
| 12.00 - 12.30 | Lunch | |
| 12.30 - 2.00 |
Group 2 Invertebrate anatomy and model construction |
Group 1 Invertebrate investigation with entomologist |
| 2.15 | Depart | |
Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary
Syllabus outcomes and content
Syllabus outcomes and content
Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus (2024) - Stage 2
Physical and living systems depend on energy
Outcomes
- Uses information to investigate the solar system and the effects of energy on living, physical and geological systems ST2-SCI-01
- Uses and interprets data to describe patterns and relationships ST2-DAT-01
Content
Living things depend on energy and materials to survive
- Observe and describe living and non-living things in a habitat
- Describe the transfer of energy between plants and animals using food chains, Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary
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, 2024
Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus (2024) - Stage 3
Knowledge of our world and beyond inspires sustainable solutions
Outcomes
- Uses evidence to explain how scientific knowledge can be used to develop sustainable practices ST3-SCI-01
- Interprets data to support explanations and arguments ST3-DAT-01
Content
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
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, 2024
Book now
Book your HPGE program using our online booking form.
Learning resources
View online lessons that support primary incursion and excursion programs.
Flora and fauna fact sheets
View our curriculum-aligned fact sheets on Australian animals, plants, ecosystems and environments for NSW primary and secondary students, ideal for research, projects and classroom learning.