Overview
A Living Place is a whole day program immersing students in a scientific exploration of Toohey Forest. This program assists students to develop an appreciation of the importance of living and non-living things in a forest environment.
On the day of their excursion, students meet ‘Detective Searchalot’ who is struggling to find insects in the forest. Students take on the role of Nature Detectives to collect and observe insects and arachnids to help the detective.
After learning about insect characteristics through a story, students apply their knowledge to identify insects and their specific characteristics. Students embark on a bushwalk and are encouraged to identify and observe external features and habitats of plants and animals. This is achieved by collecting a variety of invertebrates using collection jars, examining insect habitats and observing characteristics of plants.
Using a large digital microscope outputting to a 65-inch screen, students view and discuss the external features of their insects in detail and share them with the detective. Students participate in an art activity and identify and label external features of insects and arachnids.
‘Detective Searchalot’ returns at the end of the day and students are given an opportunity to reflect on their experiences in the forest and discuss the importance of living and non-living things in a forest environment.
The program concludes with students getting up close and personal with live animals and discussing their observable external features.
A Living Place has been assessed as medium risk. A Curriculum Activity Risk Assessment is available upon request. An itinerary and student worksheet will be provided to teachers upon confirmation of your booking.
Curriculum Intent
Science
- Living things have a variety of external features (ACSSU017)
- Living things live in different places where their needs are met (ACSSU211)
- Participate in guided investigations to explore and answer questions (ACSIS025)
HASS
- Reflect on learning to propose how to care for places and sites that are important or significant (ACHASSI026)