The secret life of birds excursion | Early Stage 1 Science and Technology | Field of Mars EEC

Program activities

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

Bird features and behaviours

Using Waddle Giggle Gargle by Pamela Allen, students investigate magpie behaviours including swooping, nesting and feeding young. They identify observable bird features, including feathers, beaks, wings and feet, and discuss how magpies use their bodies to find and eat food. Students create a small clay bird model and role-play collecting food for chicks.

Build a giant bird nest

Students work together to plan and build a giant bird nest using natural materials. Through role-play, they explore how birds find food, feed their young and respond to predators.

Bird habitat bushwalk

Students walk through Field of Mars Reserve to investigate bird habitats in eucalypt forest. They use monoculars to extend their observations, search for birds and describe how habitats provide food, water and shelter.

Suggested timetable

Time	Classes A, B and C	Classes D, E and F
9.45–10.25	Introduction, recess and toilets	Introduction, recess and toilets
10.25–11.50	Bird habitat bushwalk and build a giant bird nest	Waddle Giggle Gargle story and bird activities
11.50–12.20	Lunch and toilets	Lunch and toilets
12.20–1.50	Waddle Giggle Gargle story and bird activities	Bird habitat bushwalk and build a giant bird nest
1.50–2.00	Toilets, pack up and depart	Toilets, pack up and depart

Syllabus outcomes and content

Students will learn to

• identify and describe observable features of birds
• use tools to extend sensory observations
• describe how birds obtain food and use habitats
• observe and describe bird movements and behaviours
• investigate structures birds build to help them survive

The excursion directly supports the Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus (2024) through guided observation, hands-on investigations and outdoor learning in a local bushland environment.

Observations and questions spark curiosity

Outcome

• STE-SCI-01 – identifies and describes characteristics of living things, properties of materials, and movement

Content addressed

Living things have characteristics that help them survive in their environment

• Identify and use tools to aid and extend sensory observations
• Animals need to find their food
• Examine animal bodies, their body coverings, and how and what they eat

Observations and questions initiate design and digital solutions

Outcome

• STE-DDT-01 – identifies and uses technologies to make products to address user needs or opportunities

Content addressed

Understanding user needs inspires design and digital solutions

• Examine designed structures that animals build to help them survive in their environment

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

Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary

observe, describe, identify, investigate, construct, habitat, nest, chick, predator, swoop, monocular, behaviour, feathers, beak, wings, food, shelter

Cost, class numbers and booking

Cost

DoE school $27 per student – GST free

Non-government school $37 per student – GST free, minimum charge $750 per class

Term 1 non-government weeks 3 to 5 – DoE cost, GST free, minimum charge $750

Classes

Maximum 6 classes, with up to 30 students per class.

Program costs

Program costs may change. If program costs change after you book, you will be charged at the original cost.

Booking policy

Confirm final student numbers and classes 7 working school days before the program.

Book this Early Stage 1 Science and Technology excursion

Risk assessment and accessibility

Field of Mars Reserve risk assessment – main location

The program includes bushwalking on uneven natural tracks. Some program areas at Field of Mars Reserve may be wheelchair accessible.

Students who are unwell should not attend.

Classroom teachers are expected to attend and actively supervise students throughout the excursion.

Notify Field of Mars EEC before the visit about medical, mobility, sensory, communication or other support needs so reasonable adjustments can be considered.

View location information

What students should bring

School sports uniform, backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunscreen, raincoat, hat, sturdy shoes and a reusable name tag.

Bring one tote tray per class to transport clay birds back to school.

Weather, cancellations and rescheduling

The program may be modified, postponed or cancelled because of predicted extreme temperatures, bush fire danger, heavy rainfall, high winds or dust storms.

Cancellation or rescheduling with less than 30 school days’ notice before the booking date – $650

Cancellation with less than 14 school days’ notice before the booking date – full program cost

Cancellation due to unsafe weather or fire danger – $0