Stage 3 Science and Technology | Adaptations excursion

Student activities

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

Field journalling

Students are provided a field journal to record scientific information including scientific drawings.

Terrestrial invertebrates

Students investigate local invertebrate species, their structures, behaviours and adaptations.

Macroinvertebrates and Yabby investigations

Students dip net in our freshwater pond, observe and record structural adaptations and conduct a practical investigation in the behavioural adaptations of yabbies when there are different stimuli in their environment.

Native plants

Students examine native plant structures and how these features support survival in the Australian environment.

Vertebrate investigations

Students engage with our captive animals, observing them at feeding time to record structural features, behaviours and feeding adaptations.

All activities are lead by experienced teachers, are age-appropriate and designed to support participation and enjoyment for Stage 3 students.

Suggested timetable

Time	Classes 1 and 3	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

Syllabus outcomes and content

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

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. Location information
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