Entomologist HPGE enrichment program | Stage 2–3 Science and Technology | Field of Mars EEC
Program overview
Entomologist is a one-day Stage 2 and Stage 3 Science and Technology HPGE enrichment program where students investigate invertebrate ecology, anatomy, taxonomy and conservation. Students work with an entomologist to collect field data, examine live specimens, classify invertebrates using anatomical evidence and construct a detailed mounted model that communicates their scientific understanding. HPGE domains: creative, intellectual.
Learning intentions
- We are learning to conduct an invertebrate investigation and record reliable data.
- We are learning to classify and justify invertebrate identifications using anatomical evidence and scientific vocabulary.
- We are learning to communicate findings through scientific diagrams and a detailed model that shows accurate structural adaptations.
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. |
Dates |
Available dates |
Times |
9.15 – Drop off 2.15 – Pick up |
Risk assessment |
See location tile below. |
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 but are welcome. |
Student selection |
Maximum 12 students per school per day. When choosing your students, remember the program takes place indoors, outdoors and in public spaces. Students may be near creeks and bushland tracks. While EEC teachers supervise them all day, consider if they’ll need SLSO or teacher support to stay safe. |
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 (excluding HPGE programs in Term 1, Weeks 3–5) Weather or fire danger cancellation – $0 |
Activities
Invertebrate walk
Students observe invertebrates in their natural habitats and consider how shelter, food, moisture and camouflage help them survive. The walk introduces the ecological roles of invertebrates in bushland environments.
Invertebrate investigation
Students work as entomologists to investigate different habitats in Field of Mars Reserve. They use fieldwork techniques to collect invertebrates, examine specimens with magnifying devices and record observations in a take-home nature journal.
. They will encounter a range of invertebrates including stick insects, burrowing cockroaches, beetle larvae, scorpions, huntsman spiders, Australian tarantulas, centipedes, isopods, and crayfish.
Invertebrate anatomy and models
Students will collect invertebrates using a range of fieldwork techniques including leaf litter digs and arboreal vegetation shakes.
Students compare body structures such as legs, antennae, wings, mouthparts, segments and exoskeletons. Using their observations, they construct an anatomically informed model of a real or imaginary invertebrate and mount it in a box frame to take home.
This program is only available to NSW Department of Education school students.
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
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.
Learn with us
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.