Teddy bears picnic excursion | Early Stage 1 Science and Technology | Field of Mars EEC

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 with up to 30 students per class.
Activities	Activities may change to suit student needs, the selected site and weather conditions.
Bring	Sports uniform, backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunblock, raincoat, hat, sturdy shoes, reusable name tag.
View	Preparing for your excursion The needs of living things learning resource Teddy bears picnic social story
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

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. Students 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.

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

respect, contribute, discuss, collaborate, model, conserve, suggest, habitat, shelter, environment, survive, needs, resources, forest, replant

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