Program overview
As urban Sydney expands, natural bushland is increasingly being replaced by houses and roads. This inquiry explores the vital connections between people and nature by focusing on the endangered Green and Golden Bell Frog.
A rare sighting of this species has been reported in the wetland at Blacktown Showground. Students are provided with information about the sighting and use geographical skills and tools to investigate the three essential components for life—water, food, and shelter. Through this investigation, students will gain a deeper understanding of the environment’s interconnectedness and human impact on natural habitats.
Geographical inquiry questions
- How does the environment support the lives of people and other living things?
- How can people use places and environments more sustainably?
Outcomes
- Examines features and characteristics of places and environments GE2-1
- Describes the ways people, places and environments interact GE2-2
- Examines differing perceptions about the management of places and environments GE2-3
- Acquires and communicates geographical information and uses geographical tools for inquiry GE2-4
Content
- Significance of environments
- Perception of environments
- Protection of environments
Cross Curriculum Priorities
- Sustainability
Literacy & Numeracy Learning Progressions
This program supports student learning in various elements of the Literacy and Numeracy Learning Progressions.
| 1 |
Food Students investigate food sources for the frogs and tadpoles. Students will dip net for bugs and collect phytoplankton samples in the wetland. Is there enough food for the Green and Golden Bell Frog? |
| 2 |
Water What is lurking in our ponds? Students will use scientific equipment to test the quality of the water. Is the water clean enough to support a population of Green and Golden Bell Frogs? |
| 3 |
Shelter (Habitat & predators) Students investigate the surrounding bushland and park to identify possible threats to the frog. Search for and identify feral invaders and conduct a healthy habitat assessment. |
| 4 |
People (Litter & park use) Blacktown Showground is a public space. Do people influence the potential for Green and Golden Bell Frogs to inhabit the area? |
| Activity social stories to come! | |
|
Sample of a 1 group program For multiple groups/classes, the same activities are run on an alternating schedule |
|
| 9:30 |
Welcome to Blacktown Showground Safety briefing |
| 9:45 |
Water Quality Testing (Picnic Areas) |
| 10:35 | RECESS |
| 10:50 |
Food (Spread Around Wetland) |
| 11:35 | Shelter - Habitat & Predators |
| 12:20 | People - Litter & Park Use |
| 1:05 | Reflection of activities / Wrap up |
| 1:20 | LUNCH |
| 2:00 | School departs |
Excursion Google Site
| Location | Blacktown Showground, Richmond Road Blacktown NSW |
| 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 9:30 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