Water environments excursion

Program overview

The Water environments excursion is a Stage 1 HSIE Geography program for students to become place detective, to explore the forests, waters and shores of the Georges River!

At its source the Georges River is freshwater. The river becomes a mix of salt and fresh as it makes its way to the ocean. Students will go on an adventure using large and small-scale picture maps to learn about the natural and human features of our river and other waterbodies at the selected location. We will see the strong connection we have to fishing in the Georges River and secret fishing spots will be uncovered. We will discover traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and modern fishing practices and play our sustainability fishing game and learn why we need to care for our waterways. Students will explore water habitats by meeting our water loving plants, play games to learn about their important role in the environment and go dip netting for small aquatic animals.

Students are encouraged to bring a healthy litter free lunch to enjoy a picnic in the waterside parklands with their friends.

Engage in active citizenship with the Zero litter in Georges River learning resources.

Learning intentions

We are learning about the natural and human features of water environments.
We are learning how people care for water environments.

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Program information

Student activities

Student activities are differentiated, inclusive and may vary depending on the conditions.

River stories

Connecting with and celebrating the river in story. Students learn about river plants by drawing simple illustrations inspired by Aboriginal artist Johnny Warrkatja Malibirr.

Mapping water environments

Students use our giant large-scale map to develop spatial awareness and map interpretation. Shared maps are then used on a discovery walk to explore water environments and the way people use these places.

Secret fishing spots

Fishing is a way people from many cultures connect to water environments. Students go in search of special spots to sit quietly, observe and enhance wellbeing in natural areas.

Water Country

Students interact with traditional tools used in Dharawal and Dharug Country water Country to recognise ways traditional custodians use and value water Country and Place.

Sustainable fishing

Students play our hands-on and active sustainable fishing game to learn why we need to care for our waterways.

Riverside picnic

Waste free, nutritious snacks and lunch is encouraged for our picnic under the gum trees in the parklands by the lake.

All activities are lead by experienced teachers, are age-appropriate and designed to support participation and enjoyment for Early stage 1 (kindergarten) students.

Suggested timetable

Time	Classes 1 and 2	Classes 3 and 4
9.30am	Arrival - introduction, recess and toilets
10.00am - 10.30am	River stories and mapping our journey
10.30am - 12.00pm	Activity 1 - Exploration of our water environments. Activity 2 - Finding secret fishing spots.	Activity 1 - Traditional and modern fishing practices Activity 2 - Let's go fishing - playing our sustainability fishing games.
12.00pm - 12.30pm	Picnic lunch and toilets
12.30am - 2.00pm	Activity 1 - Traditional and modern fishing practices Activity 2 - Let's go fishing - playing our sustainability fishing games.	Activity 1 - Exploration of our water environments. Activity 2 - Finding secret fishing spots.
2.00pm	Conclude and depart

Syllabus outcomes and content

Human Society and its Environment K–6 Syllabus (2024)

Focus area outcome

People are connected to places and groups

HS1-ACH-01 describes interactions between Aboriginal Peoples and Country
HS1-GEO-01 describes ways people connect to and care for places, water environments and each other, using geographical information

Content groups

People show their connection to places using geographical information

Describe the features of Australian urban, rural and remote places and communities by comparing images

Aboriginal Peoples have a responsibility to Country

Describe ways in which Aboriginal Peoples use Knowledge of land, water and sky Country in everyday life
Recognise Aboriginal Peoples’ responsibility to Country can incorporate physical, spiritual and Cultural connections

People care for Australia's water environments

Observe and describe natural and human features of Australian rivers, lakes, beaches and oceans by collecting and representing data
Locate and describe freshwater and saltwater bodies in Australia
Compare the ways people use water environments in Australia by posing questions to collect data
Explain how people can use and care for water responsibly
Identify ways that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples value water Country and Place

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

Teacher information


Cost 2026	NSW Department of Education schools $22 per student Non-government schools $28 per student Student numbers to be confirmed 5 working days prior to the excursion.
Student numbers	Recommended maximum 4 classes with up to 30 students per class.
Risk management plan	Risk assessment provided in location tile.
Bring	School first aid kits, student medication and ASCIA action plans Low waste food and water bottle Sun protection - hats and sunblock Insect repellent
Clothing	Sports uniform Sports shoes Raincoat in case of wet weather. Please no umbrellas.
Staff and student welfare	The program requires walking through parklands. The site is fully accessible but may not be suitable for recently unwell participants. For medical or special needs notify staff prior to program.
Extreme or wet weather	In general, our staff are prepared to complete learning programs in varied weather conditions except where health and safety could be compromised. School staff should assess the appropriateness of the visit with poor conditions and discuss with our centre staff as soon as possible. In the event of cancellation, we will do our best to find an alternative date. Please view our trigger points for postponement and cancellation.
Trigger points for cancellation	See our bookings page
Cancellation policy	Cancellation or major changes to bookings will incur the following cancellation fees: within 30 days of excursion or incursion date - $600 administration fee charged within 7 days of excursion/incursion date - total fee charged based on confirmed student numbers. Weather or fire danger cancellation – $0