Adaptations
Science and Technology
Students will be immersed in an exploration of the remarkable adaptations that allow living things to survive in the Australian bush.
A visit to our living lab provides students close up experiences to observe structures and witness behaviours of our large range of native Australian animal species including bearded dragons, a python, shingleback and blue-tongued lizard. Our aquatic animals include turtles, eels and yabbies. Students can also observe and touch our extensive collection of taxidermy specimens.
The surrounding parklands offer rich opportunities for hands-on investigation. Students will explore flora and fauna within remnant Eucalypt River-flat Forest habitats. They will observe and conduct scientific drawings to record plant structures and discover Aboriginal Peoples sustainable use of plants for food and fibre. They will go dipnetting in our freshwater pond to study macroinvertebrates and in our biodiversity gardens they will discover local invertebrate species, their adaptations, food webs and energy flows.
Through guided inquiry, fieldwork and scientific observation, students deepen their understanding of how plants and animals are uniquely equipped to survive in their environments.
Maximum four classes per day.
Location
Essential information
| Year | Cost |
| 2025/26 |
|
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
| Time | Classes 1 and 2 | Classes 3 and 4 |
| 9.30am | Arrival - introduction, recess and toilets | |
| 10.00am - 11.30am | Aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates | Plants and mini zoo |
| 11.30am - 12.00pm | Lunch and toilets | |
| 12.00pm - 1.30pm | Plants and mini zoo | Aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates |
| 1.30pm - 2.00pm | Snack, conclude and depart |
Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus (2024)
Focus area outcomes
Knowledge of our world and beyond inspires sustainable solutions
- ST3-SCI-01 uses evidence to explain how scientific knowledge can be used to develop sustainable practices
- ST3-PQU-01 poses questions to identify variables and conducts fair tests to gather data
Content group
Living things may change over millions of years, in response to their environments
- Observe behavioural and structural adaptations of plants and animals, and suggest how these may help them survive in their environments
- Examine and explain how the characteristics of flowers, fruit and seeds are adaptations for reproduction in plants
- Interpret a food web that describes the flow of matter and energy between plants and animals in an ecosystem
- Identify and describe how the loss or introduction of plants or animals affects an Australian ecosystem
- Describe how Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ sustainable practices continue to protect the environment
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
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.