Stage 3 Science and Technology | Sustainable solutions incursion
Georges River EEC
Program overview
Sustainable solutions incursion in a Stage 3 Science and Technology program. An engaging and hands-on environmental science full-day incursion to explore the real-world impacts of waste.
During this immersive experience, students will conduct fair tests to investigate the properties of materials including those that dissolve, change state or are easily weathered through physical processes. Materials that are found in our natural systems including our oceans and in our food. Armed with new knowledge students complete a litter survey in their school and draw conclusions on the school’s impact.
Students will be provided macro and micro plastic samples collected along the Georges River to establish the link between their school, the drain and their global impacts of waste. They will make a beautiful yet frightening artwork using sterilised materials to highlight global waste and use the waste hierarchy pyramid to develop sustainable solutions. Students are encouraged to research local recycling and recovery facilities including local stores to design a sustainable hub for their school community, an action plan that addresses real environmental concerns.
This program supports high potential and gifted students.
Learning intentions
- We are learning how to conduct fair tests to gather data.
- We are learning about materials and sustainability.
- We are learning ways to implement sustainable practices in our school community.
Essential information
Suggested timetable
This is a full day incursion commencing at the start of school bell concluding at the end of school bell.
Session |
Activities |
| Morning session | Fair testing |
| Middle session | School litter survey |
| Afternoon session | Sustainable solutions |
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
- ST3-DAT-01 interprets data to support explanations and arguments
Content groups
A fixed amount of usable matter makes up all the material on Earth
- Explain how recyclable, reusable, renewable, biodegradable and compostable materials enhance sustainability
- Recognise that in a fair test, an independent variable is changed, a dependent variable is measured, and controlled variables remain the same
- Pose questions to determine whether substances dissolve in water by identifying variables and conducting and evaluating fair tests
- Investigate ways to collect and process waste to reduce pollution or increase the sustainable use of materials
- Create and communicate a plan to implement a sustainable practice in a community that addresses an identified environmental concern
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 |
Maximum 4 classes per day with up to 30 students per class. |
Risk management plan |
Risk assessment provided. |
Preparation |
Set up – please meet the Georges River EEC staff member/s up to 1 hour before first session. Learning space – please provide a suitable learning space for the duration of the day Program length – Full day |
Clothing |
Sports uniform Sports shoes Raincoat in case of wet weather. Please no umbrellas. |
Staff and student welfare |
For medical or special needs notify staff prior to program. |
Extreme or wet weather |
Program may be modified, postponed or cancelled due to predicted extreme temperatures, bush fire danger, heavy rainfall, high winds or dust storms. 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:
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Risk management
Contact us
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About our centre
Learn how our centre helps students explore, learn and connect with nature.