Teddy bears picnic | Early Stage 1 Science and technology excursion
Program overview
Throughout the day, students will develop respect for the natural world through firsthand experiences, learn how living things obtain their basic needs from the environment, and understand how they can make a positive contribution to caring for the environment in ways appropriate to their age.
Learning intention
- We are learning about how nature provides for the needs of living things.
Activities
Earth walk and shelter building
Students will immerse themselves in nature on a short bushwalk. Through sensory and nature connection activities, they will investigate the features in the environment which support the animals which live here. In our nature play space, students will learn how we can use natural materials to create shelter.
Create a forest
Students will use natural materials and animal figurines to create a model forest. They will be challenged to ensure that their forest provides everything animals need to survive.
Musical trees
This game highlights the vital role trees play in sustaining life. Students, acting as ‘bears,’ dance around while the music plays. When the music stops, each bear must find a ‘tree’ to stand by. Meanwhile, ‘Chainsaw Charlie’ sneakily cuts down trees until the bears work together to stop him. Afterwards, students discuss the importance of trees and replant those that were cut down.
Teddy bear's picnic
Student groups led by an adult will follow clues leading them on a trail to discover how their teddies survive in the bush. The route will lead them to a surprise picnic lunch spot under the trees.
The old forest story
The day concludes with an interactive story about forest clearing. They will consolidate their learning by suggesting actions that could be taken to provide for the animals’ needs of life.
Important information for teachers
- Download and read the letter from Edward, Chief Teddy, to the students before your excursion.
Location
Field of Mars Reserve
Main location – including risk assessment and risk management advice, bus map and track overview.
Essential information
Cost and details
Cost 2026 |
DoE $27 per student – GST free Non-gov $37 per student – GST free, min charge $750 per class Term 1 – Non-gov weeks 3 to 6 cost = DoE cost – GST free, min charge $750 |
Classes |
Maximum 6 classes. |
Bring |
Sports uniform, backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunblock, raincoat, hat, sturdy shoes, reusable name tag. |
View |
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Welfare |
Rugged bushwalking, limited wheelchair accessibility. 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 numbers and classes 7 days in advance. |
Cancellation fee |
Less than 30 working school days – $600 Less than 7 working school days notice – full cost Weather or fire danger cancellation – $0 |
Suggested timetable
Time |
Classes A, B, C |
Classes D, E, F |
| 9.45 - 10.20 |
Welcome and story Fruit break and toilets |
Welcome and story Fruit break and toilets |
| 10.20 - 11.20 | Create a forest and musical tree game | Earth bushwalking and shelter building |
| 11.20 - 11.50 | Recess and toilets | Recess and toilets |
| 11.50 - 12.50 | Earth bushwalking and shelter building | Create a forest and musical tree game |
| 12.50 - 1.00 | P.A.W.S clue walk | P.A.W.S clue walk |
| 1.00 - 1.40 | Picnic lunch and toilets | Picnic lunch and toilets |
| 1.40 - 2.00 | The old forest story, pack up, toilets and depart | The old forest story, pack up, toilets and depart |
Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary
Syllabus outcomes and content
Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus (2024)
Observations and questions spark curiosity
Outcomes
- Identifies and describes characteristics of living things, properties of materials, and movement STE-SCI-01
- Poses questions based on observations to collect data STE-PQU-01
Content
Living things have characteristics that help them survive in their environment
- Identify and use tools to aid and extend sensory observations
- Describe how living things get air, water and energy to survive in their environment
- Recognise that plants produce their own food, and animals need to find their food
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
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Social stories
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Learning resources
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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.