Ecosystem explorers excursion
Science and technology
Program
Working as ecologists students will explore the ecosystem of the Field of Mars Reserve to identify features of an environment, different habitats and examples of living and non-living things.
Learning intention
- We are learning to observe components of the environment.
- We are learning to identify living things and their habitats within the Field of Mars Reserve.
- We are learning to describe how living and non-living things depend on each other for survival.
Activities
Equipped with a field journal, students will explore and investigate the ecosystem, environment and habitats at the Field of Mars Reserve. Students will conduct multi-sensory observations of the environment, animal observations and biodiversity surveys.
Students will learn a variety of field journaling techniques to record their findings including observational sketches, watercolour illustrations, and data tables.
Investigations will provide students with an experiential and first-hand understanding of components of local bushland environments and interactions between native living things and their non-living surroundings.
This program is also available as an incursion.
Location options
Field of Mars Reserve
Main location – including bus maps, risk management advice, track overview
Buffalo Creek Reserve
Alternative location – including bus maps, risk management advice, track overview
Blackman Park
Alternative location – including bus maps, risk management advice, track overview
Essential information
| Cost 2025 |
DoE $25 per student – GST free Non-gov school $35 per student – GST free, min charge $750 |
| 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 | Max 6 classes. |
| Bring | Sports uniform, backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunblock, raincoat, hat, sturdy shoes, reusable name tag. |
| View | |
| 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 |
| Time | Activities |
| 9.45 - 10.30 |
Introduction Toilets, recess, equipment bags distributed |
| 10.30 - 12.00 | Bushwalk and activities |
| 12.00 - 12.30 | Lunch and toilets |
| 12.30 - 2.00 | Bushwalk and activities |
| 2.00 - 2.15 | Pack up, toilets and depart |
Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus (2024)
Physical and living systems depend on energy
Outcomes
- Uses information to investigate the solar system and the effects of energy on living, physical and geological systems ST2-SCI-01
- Uses and interprets data to describe patterns and relationships ST2-DAT-01
Content
Living things depend on energy and materials to survive
- Identify the systems of Earth that make up environments: air – atmosphere, land – lithosphere, water – hydrosphere, living things – biosphere
- Describe how the needs of living things are provided by the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere
- Describe the relationship between habitat, ecosystem and environment
- Observe and describe living and non-living things in a habitat
- Describe how Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ practices support habitats to survive
- Describe the transfer of energy between plants and animals using food chains, Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary
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
