Ecosystem explorers | Stage 2 | Science and technology excursion | Field of Mars EEC
Program overview
Ecosystem explorers is a Stage 2 Science and Technology excursion where students work as ecologists to investigate the bushland ecosystem of Field of Mars Reserve. Using a field journal, students conduct multi-sensory observations, animal observations and biodiversity surveys across different habitats, then learn field-journaling techniques to record findings through observational sketches, watercolour illustrations and data tables—developing a first-hand understanding of interactions between living things and their non-living surroundings.
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
Nature journal
Students identify the four spheres of Earth’s environment—atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere—using visual prompts and examples from the site. Students sketch and label one local feature for each sphere to build accurate observation and scientific vocabulary.
Living and non-living
Students collect small loose items from the ground and sort them into living and non-living categories, justifying their decisions using clear criteria. Students select one item to record as a detailed watercolour drawing in their journal.
Animal evidence
Students use a field guide and habitat layer cards to identify animal evidence such as scats, feeding signs, tracks and leaf damage. Students record observations in a table that links evidence to the animal, tally counts and the habitat layer where it was found.
Predator–prey relationships
Students locate and identify different spider webs using simple ID charts. Students explore how spiders use living and non-living habitat features for web anchoring and food capture, then record a short explanation of the spider’s interactions.
Interactions
Students investigate a habitat tree from base to canopy, sketching and labelling features that support animals, such as hollows, shelter, pathways and food sources. Students observe an animal and map its movements, then conclude by modelling simple food chains or creating a nature collage to show how energy and resources connect living things in the ecosystem.
This program is also available as an incursion.
Location options
Field of Mars Reserve
Main location – including risk assessment and risk management advice, bus map and track overview.
Buffalo Creek Reserve
Alternative location – including risk assessment and risk management advice, bus map and track overview.
Blackman Park
Alternative 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 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 |
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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 |
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 |
Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary
Syllabus outcomes and content
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
Book now
Book your primary excursion using our online booking form.
Social stories
View social stories that explain what to expect on an incursion or excursion.
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.