Mystery HPGE | Stage 2–3 Science and Technology

Program activities

Activities may change to suit student needs, participant numbers, timing and weather conditions.

Setting the scene

Students are introduced to an environmental mystery involving wildlife evidence discovered in Field of Mars Reserve. Working in teams, they examine the initial information, make predictions, assign investigation roles and plan how they will collect reliable evidence.

Gather the evidence

Teams follow a clue trail through Field of Mars Reserve and investigate evidence such as scratch marks, droppings, fur, feathers, bones and habitat clues. Students document the location and characteristics of each clue using maps, field notes and iPad photography.

Analyse the case

Students compare their field observations with maps, photographs and secondary data provided by Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre. They distinguish observations from inferences, investigate possible predator and prey relationships and evaluate how strongly each piece of evidence supports their explanation.

Present the case

Teams construct and present an evidence-based scientific argument explaining what they think occurred. Presentations may use a news report, court case, talk show, dramatic explanation or digital presentation to communicate the evidence, reasoning and final conclusion.

Timetable

Time	Activities
9.15	Arrival
9.30–10.00	Setting the scene
10.00–10.30	Recess
10.30–12.00	Wildlife clue trail and field investigation
12.00–12.30	Lunch
12.30–1.30	Evidence analysis and case preparation
1.30–2.00	Presenting the case
2.15	Student collection and departure

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

Syllabus outcomes and content

Students will learn to

• conduct a field investigation using appropriate observation and evidence-collection techniques
• observe and describe living and non-living features within wildlife habitats
• record the location and characteristics of evidence using maps, notes and photographs
• collect, organise and interpret field observations and secondary data
• distinguish direct observations from inferences and predictions
• identify patterns and possible ecological relationships within collected evidence
• construct and justify explanations using relevant scientific evidence
• collaborate and communicate findings through discussion, field notes and an evidence-based presentation.

The program supports the Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus (2024) through field investigation, evidence collection, data interpretation and scientific communication.

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

Outcome

• ST2-DAT-01 – Uses and interprets data to describe patterns and relationships

Relevant content addressed

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

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

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, argue, collaborate, compare, conclude, construct, deduce, evidence, explain, infer, investigate, justify, observe, predict, record, adaptation, ecological relationship, ecosystem, field evidence, food chain, food web, habitat, predator, prey, scientific argument, secondary data, wildlife sign

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 environmental science, field investigation, data analysis, logical reasoning, collaborative problem-solving or scientific communication. Selection should consider curiosity and potential, not only prior achievement.

Dates and booking

Mystery 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 activities, bushland field investigations, walking on uneven tracks near natural vegetation and creeks, and examining animal signs, remains and other prepared wildlife evidence.

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