Life cycles | Stage 1 Science and technology incursion
Program overview
Students will learn about the features of invertebrates and how they change throughout their life cycle.
Learning intentions
- We are learning to identify living things at different stages of their life cycle.
- We are learning to describe how living things change as they grow.
Activities
Invertebrate hunt
Students will work in small groups to find and collect invertebrates using a range of scientific equipment.
Invertebrate identification and life cycles
Collected invertebrates will be examined with personal magnifiers and identified using ID charts as well as life-stage charts. Select invertebrates will be magnified on a large screen, and their features and life cycles will be detailed and explained.
This program is also available as an excursion at the Field of Mars Reserve.
Essential information
Cost and details
Cost 2026 |
DoE $18 per student – GST free Non-gov $24 per student – GST free, min charge $750 per class |
Risk assessment |
Risk management plan |
Classes |
Maximum 3 sessions per day. Recommended 2 classes per session. |
School preparation |
Program length is 1.5 hours. Schools to provide one extra large learning space, with a screen or projector, for all participating classes for the duration of the day. The space needs to accommodate multiple classes. |
View |
Watch it grow learning resource |
Welfare |
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 |
Classes |
| 9.30 - 11.00 | Classes A and D |
| 11.30 - 1.00 | Classes B and E |
| 1.30 - 3.00 | Classes C and F |
Please include your school's bell times in the notes section of your booking form.
Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary
Syllabus outcomes and content
Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus (2024)
Investigations of changes provide knowledge and understanding
Outcomes
- Poses questions based on observations and information to investigate cause and effect ST1-PQU-01
- Measures and describes changes in living things, materials, movement, Earth and the sky ST1-SC1-01
Content
Living things change over time
- Collect data about the variety of living things in a local habitat, group them and justify the groupings
- Describe the changes in a plant as it grows using data and scientific models
- Describe the changes in an animal as it goes through its life cycle using data and scientific models
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 incursion using our online booking form.
Learning resources
View online lessons that support primary incursion and excursion programs.
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.