Schoolyard safari | Stage 1 | Science and Technology incursion | Field of Mars EEC
Program overview
Schoolyard safari is a Stage 1 Science and Technology incursion delivered at your school by Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre, where students collect and use data to investigate living things in local habitats. Working in small groups, students safely search for and observe invertebrates using simple field equipment and magnifiers, then record observations and data in a structured graphic organiser. Equipped with iPads, students also complete a living things photo walk, capturing organisms around the school grounds to create a digital document that groups living things.
This incursion directly aligns with Lessons 9, 10 and 11 from Unit 1 of the NSW Department of Education Stage 1 sample units for implementation of the Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus (2024).
Learning intentions
- We are learning to make and record observations of living things.
- We are learning to group information collected from a local habitat.
Activities
This incursion directly aligns with Lessons 9, 10 and 11 from Unit 1 of the NSW Department of Education Stage 1 sample units for implementation of the Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus (2024).
Invertebrate survey
Working in small groups, students search for and collect invertebrates in school habitats using simple scientific equipment such as leaf litter searches and tree shakes. Students discuss where living things are found and why these places meet their needs.
Students examine collected invertebrates using magnifiers and identification charts. Students make sensory observations and describe key external features to support accurate identification.
Students record different types of data about their invertebrates using a structured graphic organiser.
Living things photo walk
Equipped with iPads, students conduct a photo survey of living things in the school grounds. Students learn how to retrieve data and create a digital document to store their observations.
Students sort their photos into groups and explain the reasons for their classifications using simple criteria. Students share findings with peers and reflect on the variety of living things in a local habitat.
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 |
Risk assessment |
Risk management plan |
Classes |
Recommended maximum 4 classes per day with up to 32 students per class. |
School preparation |
Program length is 3-4 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 |
Schoolyard safari 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 A and B |
Classes C and D |
| Session 1 | Invertebrate survey | Living things photo walk |
| Recess | ||
| Session 2 | Living things photo walk | Invertebrate survey |
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)
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
- Collects, represents and uses data to identify patterns and relationships ST1-DAT-01
Content
Investigations of changes provide knowledge and understanding
Living things change over time
- Recognise that data can be collected through observation, testing and research, and that it can be represented as descriptions, diagrams, graphs, images and tables
- Collect data about the variety of living things in a local habitat, group them and justify the groupings
Design and digital solutions are created through knowledge and understanding
Digital systems use inputs and algorithms to produce an output
- Use the basic features of common digital tools to capture, save and retrieve data to communicate and collaborate following agreed rules
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.