Program overview
Nature is important for many reasons, both to people and wildlife. The habitat tree is a majestic Grey Gum — the oldest tree at Brewongle. Students explore the features of the spaces around the habitat tree and discover the connections between the tree and its surroundings. Using geographical tools, they investigate how seasons and human activity impact the natural environment around the habitat tree.
Geographical questions
- What are the features of, and activities in places?
- How can we care for places?
Outcomes
- Describes features and places and the connections people have with places GE1-1
- Identifies ways in which people interact with and care for places GE1-2
- Communicates geographical information and uses geographical tools for inquiry GE1-2
Content
- Features of places
Cross Curriculum Priorities
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
- Sustainability
| 1 |
Nest box survey Students take a guided walk around Brewongle with a camera pole and screens to learn about the animals that call Brewongle home. |
| 2 |
Wildlife camera survey View our wildlife cameras then analyse footage in our Earth Lab classroom. |
| 3 |
Leaf litter bug survey Students dig for bugs in our outdoor classroom and attempt to identify them using ID charts. |
| 4 |
Giant bug camouflage Students work in pairs to create a habitat for a giant toy bug. |
| 5 |
Journey sticks Students learn about the plants and animals that are in season around the site. They record their findings using journey sticks. |
| Activity social story coming soon! | |
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Sample of a 1 group program For multiple groups/classes, the same activities are run on an alternating schedule |
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| 9:45 |
Welcome to Brewongle Safety briefing |
| 10:00 | RECESS |
| 10:30 | Nest box survey |
| 11:00 | Journey sticks |
| 11:30 | Giant bug camouflage |
| 12:00 | LUNCH |
| 12:30 | Leaf litter bug survey |
| 1:00 | Wildlife camera survey |
| 1:30 | Reflection of activities / Wrap up / Toilets |
| 2:00 | Farewell |
There is no worksheet for this program
Pre-excursion activities
Please read with your students prior to visiting Brewongle.
The Last Treeby Mark Wilson
This picture book is about a beautiful old eucalyptus tree that grew tall and strong over many years. It was the centre of life in the forest and provided food and shelter for many forest dwellers. But what happens when the tree is threatened as the surrounding forest slowly disappears?
This text is a fantastic stimulus for teacher-led literacy tasks in the lead-up to their excursion.
If you don't have a copy of this text in your school or local library, Brewongle has a copy available for loan. Alternatively, to view a YouTube reading of this text, click here.
| Location | Brewongle Environmental Education Centre, Sackville North |
| Transport |
Buses are booked by the visiting school. A map to the bus parking will be sent with the schools confirmation email. Please ensure you print the map and give to the bus driver the morning of the excursion. |
| Program costs | Program costs |
| Student numbers |
Maximum student numbers are 30 students per class - up to 5 classes per day No minimum student numbers (instead possible minimum costs) |
| Supporting teachers and staff | Minimum requirement is one teacher per attending class |
| Program start and finish times |
Brewongle arrival time is 9:45 am - departure time is 2 pm * discuss prior to your visit if you require alternate times |
| Medical and welfare notifications |
Using the Brewongle medical and welfare form (sent with the confirmation email), inform Brewongle staff of any medical conditions or special requirements prior to the visit This program can be adapted for teachers and students with specific mobility requirements |
| Adverse weather |
Visit our visitor information page to view our weather trigger points for program changes On days where the weather is unsuitable, a Brewongle staff member will contact the organising teacher to discuss alternative arrangements |
| Booking and cancellation policy requirements |
Brewongle booking and cancellation policy Student attendance numbers confirmed 7 days prior to visit Cancellation fees may apply |
| Inclusive learning support | Visit our inclusive education website for further excursion support materials |
Booking enquiries
Get in touch to ask a question, plan a visit or find out more about what we offer