Adaptations excursion | Stage 3 Science and Technology

Program activities

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

Animal investigations

Students safely collect invertebrates from leaf litter, shrubs and tree trunks, noting where each animal was found. Using magnifiers and identification charts, students identify structural features and behaviours and infer how these support survival. They record their findings in an adaptations journal using annotated scientific sketches and concise evidence-based explanations.

Students observe a live native lizard in a controlled habitat setting and describe key features and behaviours linked to its environment. Students create an observational drawing, label adaptations and explain how selected structures and behaviours help the lizard survive.

Adaptations bushwalk

On a guided bushwalk, students investigate plant structures that support reproduction and survival, using specimens such as banksia flowers and gumnuts. Students sketch and annotate features and infer how adaptations such as large flowers and protected seeds increase reproductive success and resilience.

Students examine leaves with low herbivory and investigate how plant features deter grazing, such as oils or serrated, tough leaves. Students also explore bushfire adaptations by comparing bark types and recording inferences about how thick or shedding bark can reduce fire damage.

Students may observe local birds using binoculars and field guides to identify structural and behavioural adaptations. Other species such as leaf-tailed geckos, trapdoor spiders or ringtail possum dreys are used to deepen discussion about camouflage, ambush and shelter-building, before students conclude by sharing key adaptation examples from their journals.

Suggested timetable

Time	Classes A, B	Classes C, D
9.45–10.30	Introduction, toilets and recess	Introduction, toilets and recess
10.30–12.00	Adaptations bushwalk	Animal investigations
12.00–12.30	Lunch and toilets	Lunch and toilets
12.30–2.00	Animal investigations	Adaptations bushwalk
2.00–2.15	Pack up, toilets and depart	Pack up, toilets and depart

Syllabus outcomes and content

Students will learn to

• observe structural and behavioural adaptations of native plants and animals
• describe how adaptations help living things survive in their environments
• collect and record evidence during field investigations
• use observations to infer the functions of plant and animal features
• create labelled scientific drawings and concise explanations to communicate findings

The excursion addresses the following Stage 3 content from the Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus (2024).

Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus (2024)

Knowledge of our world and beyond inspires sustainable solutions

Outcome

• ST3-SCI-01 – Uses evidence to explain how scientific knowledge can be used to develop sustainable practices

Content addressed

Living things may change over millions of years, in response to their environments

• Observe behavioural and structural adaptations of plants and animals, and suggest how these may help them survive in their environments

Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus (2024) © 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

adaptation, behavioural adaptation, classify, compare, evidence, external feature, herbivore, infer, invertebrate, observe, predator, prey, record, structural adaptation, survival, vertebrate

Cost, class numbers and booking

Cost

DoE $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

Recommended 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 Stage 3 Science and Technology excursion

Risk assessment and accessibility

Field of Mars Reserve risk assessment and location information – 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.

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