Program overview

This hands-on Stage 1 program takes students on a bush adventure to explore how living things change over time. Students will conduct a bug hunt, sort and investigate the life cycle of a Stag beetle, and discover the bone of an ancient creature. They will also listen to a dreaming story about Sky Country and create journey sticks while learning about seasonal changes and which plants and animals are present throughout the year.

A picture of a beetle
making of a journey stick
Syllabus outcomes and content

Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus (2024)

Investigations of changes provide knowledge and understanding

Outcomes

  • ST1-SCI-01 measures and describes changes in living things, materials, movement, Earth and the sky
  • ST1-PQU-01 poses questions based on observations and information to investigate cause and effect
  • ST1-DAT-01 collects, represents and uses data to identify patterns and relationships

Content

Living things change over time

  • Recognise that data can be collected through observation, testing and research, and that it can be represented as descriptions, diagrams, graphs, images and tables
  • Collect data about the variety of living things in a local habitat, group them and justify the groupings
  • Describe the changes in an animal as it goes through its life cycle using data and scientific models
  • Examine the evidence for extinct animals

Planet Earth is our home

  • Investigate how seasonal patterns influence the behaviour and appearance of living things
  • Describe the ways in which Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples use seasonal indicators

The sky is our window to the Universe

  • Describe Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ connections to Sky Country
Program activities
1

Giant bug hunt and sort

Students go hunting for large hidden bugs in the bush and learn how to group their bugs based on their different features.

2

Life cycle of a stag beetle

Students watch a video of the life cycle of a stag beetle and then place its cycle in order using plastic bugs. They then label the parts of a stag beetle.

3

Muruduwin The Blue Wren

Students learn the dreaming story of how the Blue Wren (Muruduwin) got his colours and create and use ochre to paint themselves like the little Blue Wren.

4

Megafauna mystery

Students hear an ancient tale and go in search of an old bone. What will they discover about megafauna of long ago?

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!
Recommended timetable

Sample of a 1 group program

For multiple groups/classes, the same activities are run on an alternating schedule

9:45

Welcome to Brewongle

Safety briefing

10:00 RECESS
10:30 Giant bug hunt & sort
11:00 Journey sticks
11:30 Megafauna mystery
12:00 LUNCH
12:30 Muruduwin the Blue Wren
1:00 Life cycle of a Stag Beetle
1:30 Reflection of activities / Wrap up / Toilets
2:00 Farewell
Worksheet and pre-excursion activities
There is no worksheet or pre-excursion activities required for this program
Teacher information
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

Inclusive learning support

Brewongle EEC provides inclusive learning support through accessible, hands-on, and differentiated programs that cater to diverse learning needs, ensuring all learners can engage meaningfully with curriculum-based experiences in nature.