National parks | Stage 2 | HSIE Geography incursion | Field of Mars EEC
Program overview
National parks is a Stage 2 HSIE Geography incursion in which students explore significant natural environments near their school. Creating a park map and visitor brochure as they journey along the tracks, students will record the natural features of bushland and waterways and management strategies that protect them. Along the way, they will identify plants sustainably used by the local Aboriginal Peoples. Immersed in the natural environments, students will experience firsthand management strategies that protect and conserve the environment directly and strategies that help people use the environment responsibly.
Learning intentions
- We are learning to observe and record the natural features of environments that make it a special place worth protecting.
- We are learning to describe management strategies used to provide community access and protect the natural environments.
- We are learning to describe how Aboriginal Peoples sustainably use natural resources.
Activities
This program requires access to significant natural environments near your school.
Locating
Students engage with a variety of maps that locate and represent the natural environments. Maps will include topographic, track and sketch maps. The conventions that make maps readable, accurate and consistent will be identified – border, orientation, legend/key, title, scale, and source – as well as consistency in colours and symbols.
Bush walk and map making
Students journey along the tracks within the protected area observing their surroundings using multiple senses. They record their observations as sketches, symbols, notes and rubbings using pencil and coloured pencils on individual park brochure templates. As they journey through the reserve, management strategies such as tracks, signage and protection devices will be identified and recorded. Students also choose from student-guided fieldwork tasks to deepen their immersion in the natural environment.
Management
Students investigate how protected places are managed for conservation and sustainable use. They examine signage and visitor infrastructure, then discuss why particular strategies are used (e.g. track design, boardwalks, habitat protection, waste reduction). Students consider how different groups value and use the area and how management decisions balance environmental protection and visitor access.
Sustainable resources
Along the track, students will use bingo-style cards to identify plants used by the local Aboriginal Peoples. Students will see and touch plants and natural resources used for food, shelter, tools, weapons and clothing.
Concluding activity
Students complete a short role play or decision-making game that explores how people use protected areas and how management choices can protect environments. Students reflect on how their actions (e.g. staying on tracks, minimising waste, respecting wildlife) support caring for places.
The program supports the DoE Stage 2 HSIE Unit 5, particularly Lessons 3, 7, 9, 11 and 12.
This program is also available as an excursion to Field of Mars Reserve.
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 with up to 30 students per class. Some sites might be suitable for additional classes. |
Bring (if leaving school) |
Sports uniform, backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunblock, raincoat, hat, sturdy shoes, reusable name tag. |
Watch |
|
Welfare |
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 |
| 9.15 - 10.00 |
Introduction Toilets, recess, equipment bags distributed |
| 10.00 - 12.00 | Bushwalk and activities |
| 12.00 - 12.30 | Lunch and toilets |
| 12.30 - 2.30 | Bushwalk and activities |
| 2.30 | Depart |
This timetable will change based on site selection.
Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary
Syllabus outcomes and content
Human Society and its Environment K-6 Syllabus (2024)
Geographical information is used to understand the world
Outcomes
HS2-ACH-01 describes Aboriginal Peoples’ obligations to Country, Culture and Community
HS2-GEO-01 explains how people care for Australia’s environments and participate in Australian society, using geographical information
Content
Aboriginal Peoples use and care for the environment sustainably
- Identify and use appropriate terminology when sharing Knowledges about Country
- Describe how Aboriginal Peoples sustainably use the resources of Country
People have responsibility to care for Australia's environments
- Compare the objectives of managing places for conservation and managing places for sustainability
- Describe how reserved lands are managed in New South Wales at Mungo National Park, Kosciuszko National Park, Wollemi National Park and Barrington Tops National Park
- Investigate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander food practices that are sustainable
Human Society and its Environment 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 National parks incursion using our online booking form.
Social stories
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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.