Junior birder HPGE | Stage 2–3 Creative Arts and Science and Technology
Program overview
Junior birder is a one-day Stage 2 and Stage 3 Creative Arts and Science and Technology HPGE enrichment program where students become birdwatchers, field naturalists and digital artists. Using binoculars and field guides, students observe birds in Field of Mars Reserve, record sightings and behaviours, and identify species using evidence including size, shape, colour, beak type, movement, call and habitat.
Students select a focus bird from their field observations and use Field of Mars EEC iPads and Procreate to create a scientifically informed, vintage-style bird plate artwork. Each completed artwork is printed, framed and returned to the student’s school. HPGE domains: creative, intellectual.
Book this Stage 2–3 Creative Arts and Science and Technology program
Learning intentions
- We are learning to observe and record birds using fieldwork skills, binoculars and identification evidence.
- We are learning to identify birds using evidence such as size, shape, colour, beak type, movement, behaviour, call and habitat.
- We are learning to create a vintage-style bird illustration that combines scientific accuracy, field notes and digital art techniques.
Jump to: Program and curriculum | Essential information | Plan and prepare | Location | Extend student learning | Related HPGE programs
Program and curriculum information
Program activities
Activities may change to suit student needs, bird activity, participant numbers, timing and weather conditions.
Binocular skills and field observation
Students learn to use binoculars safely and effectively before entering the reserve. They practise adjusting the focus, locating birds with their eyes before raising the binoculars, following moving birds and observing wildlife without causing disturbance.
Birdwatching walk
Students explore Field of Mars Reserve on a guided birdwatching walk. They move quietly through different habitats, pausing to watch, listen and record observations about bird features, calls, movement, feeding behaviour, social behaviour and habitat use.
Bird identification and artwork planning
Students use field guides, photographs, field observations and group discussion to identify the birds they have observed. They compare similar species and justify their identifications using evidence such as size, shape, colour, plumage, beak type, tail shape, movement, behaviour, call and habitat.
Students select a focus bird and plan a vintage-style bird plate that accurately represents its body shape, beak, eyes, wings, tail, feet, posture, colours and identifying features.
Vintage bird plate studio and showcase
Students use Field of Mars EEC iPads, digital pencils and Procreate to create a vintage-style bird illustration. They use layers, brushes, colour palettes, linework, texture, composition and labels to combine scientific observation with creative design.
Students share their completed artworks and explain the observations, identification evidence and artistic choices that informed their work. Each artwork is printed, framed and returned to the student’s school at a later date.
Timetable
Time |
Activities |
| 9.15 | Arrival |
| 9.30–10.15 | Binocular skills and field observation |
| 10.15–10.30 | Recess |
| 10.30–11.30 | Birdwatching walk |
| 11.30–12.30 | Bird identification and artwork planning |
| 12.30–1.00 | Lunch |
| 1.00–2.00 | Vintage bird plate studio |
| 2.00–2.15 | Showcase |
| 2.15 | Student collection and departure |
The timetable may be adjusted according to participant numbers, bird activity, environmental conditions and the needs of participating students.
Syllabus outcomes and content
Students will learn to
- use binoculars safely and effectively to locate and observe birds
- observe and record bird features, movement, behaviour, calls and habitat use
- compare field observations with information in bird identification resources
- identify birds and justify identifications using observable evidence
- develop artistic ideas from field observations and scientific information
- use digital drawing techniques to represent bird features, colour, texture and form
- communicate scientific observations and artistic choices through field notes, discussion and visual art.
The program supports the Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus (2024) and Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus (2024) through visual arts making, digital technologies, field observation, identification, evidence interpretation and 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
- Create intentional effects with awareness of the relationships between colours and tones, to represent subject matter or ideas in realistic, imaginative or symbolic 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
Outcome
- ST3-DAT-01 – Interprets data to support explanations and arguments
Relevant content addressed
- Interpret evidence collected during investigations to support explanations about living things and their environments
Creative Arts K-6 Syllabus (2024) © 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) © 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
Essential information
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 birds, animal behaviour, field observation, scientific identification, detailed drawing, digital art or visual composition. Selection should consider curiosity and potential, not only prior achievement.
Dates and booking
Junior birder 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
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.
Risk management, weather and cancellations
Risk management
The program includes indoor activities, bushland field investigations, walking near natural vegetation and creeks, using binoculars and iPads, and observing wild birds in their habitats.
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.
Plan and prepare for your visit
Field of Mars Reserve social story
Help Stage 2 and 3 students understand where they will go, what they may experience and how to participate safely during their visit.
Preparing for your excursion
Help students and families prepare for the program by checking clothing, food, water, medication, transport and outdoor learning requirements.
Location
Field of Mars Reserve
Main location
Find risk management information, parking details, access information and walking track information for Field of Mars Reserve.
Teachers, parents or responsible adults will need to drop off and collect students.
Westminster Road
Alternative entrance
This entrance or exit provides alternative access during severe high tides and heavy rainfall events that cause flooding at the main Pittwater Road entrance.
Extend student learning
Use these student-friendly fact sheets before or after your Junior birder HPGE enrichment program to support birdwatching, field notes, identification evidence and bird-inspired artwork.
- Birds fact sheet – Learn about feathers, beaks, wings, eggs and other features that help birds survive.
- Bird fact sheets – Explore Australian birds found in bushland, gardens, parks, wetlands and school grounds.
- Laughing kookaburra fact sheet – Learn about a familiar native bird with strong calls, sharp eyesight and hunting adaptations.
- Australian magpie fact sheet – Explore a common black-and-white bird with distinctive calls, social behaviour and nesting needs.
- Satin bowerbird fact sheet – Learn about a native bird that builds and decorates bowers using sticks and colourful objects.
- Tree habitats fact sheet – Discover how trees provide nesting places, perches, flowers, insects and shelter for birds.
Learn with us
Book this HPGE enrichment program
Book places for selected Stage 2 and Stage 3 students using the Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre HPGE programs booking form.
Learning resources
Explore lessons, digital activities, fact sheets and classroom resources that support outdoor and environmental learning before or after the HPGE program.
Related HPGE programs
Photographer HPGE enrichment program
Students capture, edit and curate nature photographs using composition techniques, digital tools and gallery-style presentation.
Field guide HPGE enrichment program
Students become field naturalists, photograph natural specimens, explore bushland colour palettes and create a multi-page digital field guide using Procreate.