Adaptations excursion

Program overview

Adaptations is a Stage 3 Science and Technology excursion that immerses students in the remarkable adaptations that allow living things to survive in the Australian bush.

A visit to our Biodiversity 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. Students observe what and how animals eat. 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 dip netting in our freshwater pond to study aquatic 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.

Learning intentions

We are learning about behavioural and structural adaptations of Australian plants and animals
We are learning how to record scientific data for interpretation.

background

light

Program information

Suggested timetable

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

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 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