Platypus rangers excursion

Program overview

Platypus rangers is a Stage 2 Science and Technology excursion providing a rich and authentic experience for students to learn more about Sydney's diverse natural environments using a Earth's systems lens. Step into the hidden world of the platypus with an immersive, hands-on learning adventure at Simmos Beach Reserve. Equipped with a field journal for scientific recording students become Platypus rangers as they investigate freshwater habitats, discover extraordinary physical adaptations, conduct scientific water testing and observe how eDNA testing detects platypus DNA in water samples. We will go on an adventurous bushwalk along the banks of the river to uncover how this secretive monotreme survives and investigate the challenges it faces in the wild. This full-day program blends field science, inquiry learning and creative thinking.

This program supports high potential and gifted students.

Learning intention

We are learning about Earth's systems
We are learning about environments, ecosystems and habitats
We are learning about platypuses.

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Essential information

Suggested timetable

Time	Classes 1, 2, 3 and 4
9.30am	Arrival - introduction, recess and toilets
10.00am - 11.30am	River and bushland activities
11.30am - 12.00pm	Lunch and toilets
12.00pm - 1.30pm	River and bushland activities
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

Body systems work together to enable movement

Recognise that all animals are either invertebrates with no spine, or vertebrates with a spine
Compare ways invertebrates and vertebrates move on land, in water and in the sky

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 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