Natural numbers excursion | Stage 4 and 5 | Mathematics
Program overview
This fieldwork excursion involves hands-on problem-solving in Lane Cove National Park’s waterways and forests. It applies knowledge from various syllabus content areas but primarily focuses on developing students’ mathematical skills.
Activities
Schools have the option of selecting from a range of challenge activities. Each activity targets the Working Mathematically skills of communicating, problem solving, reasoning, understanding and fluency. Syllabus content areas addressed include number plane, measurement, decimals, scale, length, area, time, equations, data collection and representation, statistics, properties of triangles, ratios and trigonometry.
Activities can include:
- Cartography of the Buffalo Creek Reserve and boardwalk using a compass and measuring equipment
- A navigation challenge using a compass and measuring equipment
- Estimating the width of the Lane Cove River using a compass, measuring equipment and markers
- Estimating the height of canopy trees using a clinometer and tape measure
- Estimating the abundance of native fauna using quadrats
- Recording a video-blog on an iPad using Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary to explain problem-solving strategies used throughout the day
Location
Buffalo Creek Reserve
Location information - including risk assessment and risk management advice, bus map and track overview.
Essential information
Cost and details
Cost 2025 |
DoE school $26 per student – GST free Non-gov school $36 per student – GST free, minimum charge $750 |
Cost 2026 |
DoE school $27 per student – GST free Non-gov school $37 per student – GST free, minimum charge $750 per class |
Classes |
Maximum 4 classes |
Bring |
View Preparing for your excursion. Bring worksheet, writing equipment, clipboard, medications, low-waste food, water bottles, sunblock, hat and raincoat in a backpack. Sports uniform recommended. |
Welfare |
Rugged bushwalking, not wheelchair accessible. 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 |
Worksheet and student resources
Worksheet |
Schools are responsible for printing student worksheets. |
Suggested timetable
Time |
Activities |
| 9.45 - 10.00 |
Introduction Toilets and recess |
| 10.00 - 11.00 | Fieldwork activity 1 |
| 11.00 - 12.00 | Fieldwork activity 2 |
| 12.00 - 12.30 | Lunch and toilets |
| 12.30 - 1.30 | Fieldwork activity 3 |
| 1.30 - 2.00 | Communicating mathematically |
| 2.15 | Conclusion and depart |
Syllabus outcomes and content
Mathematics K-10 Syllabus (2022)
Outcome:
MAO-WM-01 Working mathematically
- develops understanding and fluency in mathematics through exploring and connecting mathematical concepts, choosing and applying mathematical techniques to solve problems, and communicating their thinking and reasoning coherently and clearly
Mathematics K-10 Syllabus (2022) © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2022
Book now
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Learning resources
Find on-line lessons and resources to support secondary excursion programs.
Flora and fauna fact sheets
Read our animal, plant and habitat fact sheets for use in the classroom or at home.