Platypus rangers excursion

Program overview

Platypus rangers is a Stage 3 Science and Technology excursion where students become Platypus rangers and explore one of Campbelltown’s most important natural environments. 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 immersive real-world excursion develops scientific inquiry skills, encourages advocacy and empowers young people to care for their local environment. Students will connect with nature, record field observations in a field journal, contribute to practical conservation actions and create powerful messages to help protect platypuses in our community.

This program supports high potential and gifted students.

Learning intentions

We are learning about behavioural and structural adaptations of Australian plants and animals
We are learning about the flow of matter and energy in an ecosystem
We are learning how to record scientific data for interpretation.

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Program 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	Picnic 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

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

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
Examine evidence that environments have changed over time and continue to change
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