Australia's environments excursion

Program overview

Australia's environments excursion is a Stage 2 HSIE Geography program for students to develop their understanding in using geographical information to understand the world. This hands-on experience takes students into Sydney forests to learn about the natural and human features of the environment. Student will use geographical tools such as maps, compasses, fauna and flora identification charts, and equipment to measure key atmospheric parameters such as temperature, wind speed and direction to identify Sydney's weather and climate.

Students will identify and describe significant natural and cultural features of the study site through nature connection activities. Students deepen their understanding of Aboriginal ongoing obligations to Country, Culture and Community through story, ochre (through chalk), boomerang throwing and Songlines that have been generously shared by Elders.

Students will play games to learn about the Mulloway and Macquarie perch to develop a deeper understanding of how people manage places for conservation and sustainability, highlighting the importance of waste minimisation and resource management for future generations.

Fieldwork data will be recorded in small field journals using field journalling techniques that encourage multi-sensory observations.

Learning intentions

We are learning how to use geographical information during fieldwork.
We are learning about Sydney's natural bushland environments.
We are learning how we manage places for conservation and sustainability.
We are learning how Aboriginal Peoples use and care for the environment.

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Program information

Student activities

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

Mapping our journey

Students use large-scale and small-scale maps and grid references to identify and describe features of the natural environment. Compasses are used to map our journey through the environment.

Collecting geographical information

Students use field journals to record data collected in the environment. Fauna and flora identification charts, weather equipment and multi-sensory observations are used to record the natural and built features of the environment.

Aboriginal sustainable practices

Aboriginal Dreaming stories are shared to understand Aboriginal Peoples' sustainable use the resources. Students will engage with our many Aboriginal tools such as spears, coolamons, fish traps and boomerangs and make mini spears, and rope.

Gone fishing

Students will role play as recreational fishers and learn about key fish species, the Mulloway and Macquarie perch and how we manage for conservation and sustainability.

Suggested timetable

Time	Classes 1, 2, 3 and 4
9.30am	Arrival - introduction, recess and toilets
10.00am - 11.30am	Nature explorations
11.30am - 12.00pm	Picnic lunch and toilets
12.00pm - 1.30pm	Nature explorations
1.30pm - 2.00pm	Snack, conclude and depart

Syllabus outcomes and content

Human Society and its Environment K–6 Syllabus (2027)

Focus area outcomes

Geographical information is used to understand the world

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 groups

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 use geographical information to understand climates and environments

Locate and compare deserts, forests, mountain ranges, rivers, ocean trenches and volcanoes of Australia and the world using grid and relief maps and compass directions north, south, east and west
Describe ways Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples map Country and Place
Identify and describe significant natural and cultural environments of the world using Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary

People have responsibility to care for Australia's environments

Observe and describe ways people organise places into spaces for different purposes
Compare the objectives of managing places for conservation and managing places for sustainability
Identify strategies that minimise waste and make the most of resources to sustain environments
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

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