Program overview

Join us for an interactive investigation into pond ecosystems. Students will explore how the needs of living organisms in ponds are supported by Earth’s systems—the biosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere. They will examine the components of these systems and learn how changes in one part can impact the entire ecosystem.

A picture of a dragonfly nymph shedding its skin.
student investigating what the have captured dipnetting
Inquiry questions
Syllabus outcomes and content

Outcomes

  • Uses information to investigate the solar system and the effects of energy on living, physical and geological systems ST2-SCI-01
  • Poses questions to create fair tests that investigate the effects of energy on living things and physical systems ST2-PQU-01
  • Uses and interprets data to describe patterns and relationships ST2-DAT-01

Content

  • Describe how the needs of living things are provided by the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere
  • Observe and describe living and non-living things in a habitat
  • Describe how Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ practices support habitats to survive
  • Describe the transfer of energy between plants and animals using food chains, Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary
  • Describe ways in which plants and animals depend on each other for survival
Program activities
1

Dip netting

Students will learn about how the needs of living things in our ponds are provided for by the hydrosphere and lithosphere. They will catch and observe water bugs in their habitat.

2

Observe and describe living things

Students will utilise our Earthlab with microscopes and magnifiers to observe, record and describe living and non-living things in our pond environment.

3

Predator prey game

Students will play our predator prey game to understand the transferral of energy through food chains and the ways in which plants and animals depend on each other for survival.

4

Tiddalik sand art story

Students will learn the story of ‘Tiddalik the frog’ and create a sand art story that they will take back to school.

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

Dip netting

(Ponds)

10:50 RECESS
11:15

Observe and describe living things

(Earthlab & Grass)

12:05

Predator Prey game

(Lookout)

12:55 Tiddalik sand art story
1:35 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 6 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