Stage 2 Science and Technology | Living things and systems excursion
Georges River EEC
Program overview
Living things and systems is a Stage 2 Science and Technology excursion for students to investigate the living world. They learn about Earth's systems and how living things depend on energy and materials to survive. Systems thinking is broken down through play based learning.
Students will journey through the physical and living systems of Earth as we explore flows within the air (atmosphere), land (lithosphere), water (hydrosphere), and living things (biosphere) that support life.
Students will observe real habitats, identifying living and non-living features and recording scientific data in a field journal. Students will unpack key concepts such as ecosystem, environment, habitat, and explore the specific role of selected species within ecosystems for sustaining healthy landscapes. Primary producers, pollinators and seed dispersal is investigated. Throughout the day participants will discover and observe food chains in nature.
Drawing inspiration from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ knowledge and land practices, students will deepen their understanding of how environments are supported to thrive.
Hands-on, active and engaging this experience builds scientific inquiry skills beneath towering gums on the shores of the Georges River.
Learning intention
- We are learning about Earth's systems
- We are learning about environments, ecosystems and habitats
- We are learning about energy and materials flows.
Program information
Student activities
Student activities are differentiated, inclusive and may vary depending on the conditions.
Ecosystem exploration
Using multi-sensory observation, students explore the parklands, bush remnants, woodlands and the river to learn ecological concepts of Earth's systems, living and non-living things and the relationship between environment, an ecosystem and a habitat.
Safari walk
Using recording scaffolds and identification charts our young ecologists go on a safari to observe and describe living and non-living things in their natural habitats.
Plants in action
Students get busy in our plant lab to learn ways in which plants depend on other living things and the environment for survival. Collection methods and magnifying equipment will be used to focus attention on key features of plants and their clever survival skills.
Food chains in action
Programs conducted at our centre in Chipping Norton will observe our captive native animals at feeding time.
Other sites will observe feeding relationships in nature including those that take place in the leaf litter.
Investigations provide students first hand experiences witnessing the transfer of energy between plants and animals in food chains.
All activities are lead by experienced teachers, are age-appropriate and designed to support participation and enjoyment for Stage 2 students.
Suggested timetable
Time |
Classes 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
| 9.30am | Arrival - introduction, recess and toilets |
| 10.00am - 11.30am | Ecosystem exploration |
| 11.30am - 12.00pm | Lunch and toilets |
| 12.00pm - 1.30pm | Ecosystem exploration |
| 1.30pm - 2.00pm | Snack, conclude and depart |
Syllabus outcomes and content
Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus (2024)
Focus area outcomes
Physical and living systems depend on energy
- ST2-SCI-01 uses information to investigate the solar system and the effects of energy on living, physical and geological systems
- ST2-DAT-01 uses and interprets data to describe patterns and relationships
Content groups
Living things depend on energy and materials to survive
- identify the systems of Earth that make up environments: air – atmosphere, land – lithosphere, water – hydrosphere, living things – biosphere
- Describe how the needs of living things are provided by the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere
- Describe the relationship between habitat, ecosystem and environment
- Observe and describe living and non-living things in a habitat
- Describe how Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ practices support habitats to survive
- Describe the transfer of energy between plants and animals using food chains, Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary
- Describe ways in which plants and animals depend on each other for survival
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, 2024
Teacher information
Cost 2026 |
NSW Department of Education schools $22 per student Non-government schools $28 per student The total cost of the program will be based on the number of students confirmed at least 3 working days before your program. If the number of students is not confirmed by this time, the total cost will be calculated using the number of students listed on the original booking form or the actual number of students who attend, whichever is greater. An Interschool Journal request or sales order will then be prepared and sent to your school for payment. |
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:
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Locations
Georges River Environmental Education Centre
Location information – bus access and walking trail maps, risk management plans and track overview.
Oatley Park
Location information – bus access and walking trail maps, risk management plans and track overview.
Simmos Beach Reserve
Location information – bus access and walking trail maps, risk management plans and track overview.
Contact us
Get in touch to ask a question, plan a visit or find out more about what we offer.
About our centre
Learn how our centre helps students explore, learn and connect with nature.