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Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre

Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre

Experience Engage Enable

Telephone02 9816 1298

Emailfieldofmar-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Nest box numeracy program

Teacher checklist

Location

Your school

Cost

DoE $16 per student - GST free

Non-gov school cost $26 per student - GST free, minimum charge $600

Risk assessment

Risk management plan

COVID-19 safety plan

School preparation

Please provide one learning space, with a smart board/IWB, for all participating classes for the duration of the day. The space needs to accommodate multiple classes.

Bring

Hats, sturdy, closed shoes essential, mask (if required). 

Students wear reusable name tag. Sports uniform recommended. 

Supporting resources

Habitat - available free from Apple Books

Ringtail possum - available free from Apple Books

Fact sheets

Medical or special needs

Notify Field of Mars staff prior to incursion. 

Students, staff and visitors must not attend if unwell, even with mild symptoms. 

Extreme or wet weather

Days predicted to be above 35ºC, high winds, extreme bush fire danger and dust storms may result in the incursion being modified, postponed or cancelled. 

Cancellations

Cancellations with less than three school weeks' notice will incur a $500 administration fee. This does not apply to cancellations due to weather, fire danger or COVID-19 restrictions.


Suggested timetable for up to six classes

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


Learning activities

What animals live in tree hollows? 

Students begin the session learning about tree hollows and their importance in providing Australian wildlife a place to shelter and to raise offspring. Students will then explore their school grounds recording and making observations on habitat features and any tree hollows they find.

Inquiry question

  • How are environments and living things interdependent?

Nest box building

Working in groups of 3, students will apply their knowledge of mathematical concepts to assemble a nest box. The flat packed box represents a 3D fan. To assemble the box students manipulate the panels to create perpenticular lines and right angles to make a rectangular prism. 

Once the box is complete, students use tape measures to measure the box dimensions including height, width and depth.  A workbook will be provided to each student to record their findings. Students then research their nest box’s potential inhabitants and the best aspect for placement using a multi-modal book on iPad.  Students will share their findings with the class along with the habitat requirements of the species.

One constructed nest box will remain with the class to install in a suitable location. All other nest boxes will be deconstructed at the end of the session.

Schoolyard habitat hunt

As a class, students recall the habitat feaures of their school grounds to determine the most suitable location for their class nest box. After the incursion, student use their workbook to identify and record on a simple map the position of the class nest box. 



Syllabus outcomes and content

Mathematics K-10 Syllabus (2012)

Outcomes

A student:

  • measures, records, compares and estimates lengths, distances in metres, centimetres and millimetres MA2-9MG 
  • makes, compares, sketches and names three-dimensional objects, including prisms, pyramids, cylinders, cones and spheres, and describes their features MA2-14MG
  • identifies, describes, compares and classifies angles MA2-16MG
  • uses simple maps and grids to represent position and follow routes, including using compass directions MA2-17MG

Content

Students: 

  • measure, order and compare objects using familiar metric units of length
  • measure lengths and distances using metres and centimetres
  • make a model of a three-dimensional object and describe key features
  • distinguish between (flat) nets, which are 'two-dimensional', and objects created from nets, which are 'three-dimensional'
  • identify 'perpendicular' lines in designs and the environment 
  • use the term 'right angle' to describe the angle formed when perpendicular lines meet
  • classify angles as acute, right and obtuse
  • create and interpret simple grid maps to show position and pathways

 

Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus (2017) 

Outcomes

A student:

  • compares features and characteristics of living and non-living things ST2-4LW-S

Content

Survival of living things

Students:

  • describe how living things depend on each other and the environment to survive 

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, 2017

Mathematics K-10 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2012