Shelters at Field of Mars - Stage 1
Teacher checklist
Location – Field of Mars Reserve, western side of Pittwater Road, East Ryde.
Bus access - give information to driver. No bus entry into Field of Mars Reserve.
Cost - $16.00per student, no GST. Confirm numbers 2 weeks before excursion. Invoice will be based on confirmation.
Bring - medications, food, water, sunblock, hat, wet weather gear. Packed in a small backpack - only essential items.
Wear - sports uniform recommended. Hats and sturdy closed shoes essential for students, staff and parents.
Staffing - NSW DEC suggests a student/adult ratio of 15:1 for bushwalking. Parent helpers welcome, no preschoolers.
Name tags - reusable and pinned on.
School to provide–nil.
Extreme or wet weather - may result in the excursion being modified, postponed or cancelled. Includes days predicted to be above 350C, high winds, extreme bush fire danger and dust storms.If the forecast deteriorates overnight then contact the centre on 98161298 or 0418118697 or 0438842343.
Cancellations - less than two weeks notice $100. This does not apply to cancellations due to weather.
Medical or special needs - please notify Field of Mars EEC staff.
Field of Mars EEC is bin free. Students and teachers are encouraged to use ‘nude food’ containers. All waste contributing to landfill will be returned with you to your school.
Timetable – start and finish times are indicative only. When booking, please inform us of your arrival and departure times. The timetable may be adjusted according to your arrival and departure time and weather conditions.
Activity / Bushwalk / Making Shelters / Nestbox Construction9.45 – 10.00 / Introduction and fruit snack (Fruito/Crunch & Sip)
10.00 – 11.35 / Class 1 + Class 2 + Class 3
11.30 – 12.00 / Recess – bin free – rubbish to be taken home. Fruit scraps will be collected for worm farm.
12.00 – 12.45 / Group1 / Group 2
12.45 – 1.15 / Lunch – bin free – rubbish to be taken home. Fruit scraps will be collected for worm farm.
1.15– 2.00 / Group 2 / Group 1
2.00 – 2.15 / Conclusion and depart
Learning Activities
Bushwalk
The focus of the bushwalk is for students to observe the places where living things can be found and the needs of plants and animals in the natural environment through a variety of sensory activities.
The bushwalk will traverse a variety of environments, from the moist vegetation found along the creeks to the dry woodland along the slopes of the reserve. Along the way the students will see examples of animal shelters. Natural resources used by traditional Aboriginal people for shelters will also be shown. Because of the nature of the Australian bush, special emphasis will be made on looking for evidence of animals that live in the areaincluding nests, mounds, hollows, holes and webs.
Nestbox Construction
Students will work in small teams to build nest boxes using a range of tools including electric screwdrivers. Students will be challenged to determine the types of species likely to inhabit their nest box through simple research and measurement activities. One nest box will be given to the school at the conclusion of the day.
Making Shelters
The focus of this session is for students to work cooperatively to construct a mini shelter using natural materials.
The students will then be shown images of traditional Aboriginal shelters and construction methods and materials will be emphasised.Working in small groups,students collect and use bush materials to construct a small model of a shelter. When complete, the students tour each other’s shelters, describing any problems they encountered while building and how their shelters could be improved.
Supporting Resources
Biodiversity websites -
Field of Mars Multitouch Books –
Field of Mars Video Conferences -
Syllabus Links
Environmental Education Objectives
Students will develop:
knowledge and understandings about:
- the nature and function of ecosystems and how they are interrelated (K1)
skills in:
- adoptingbehaviours and practices that protect the environment (S5)
values and attitudes relating to:
- a respect for life on Earth (V1)
- a commitment to act for the environment by supporting long term solutions to environmental problems (V3)
HSIE K-6 Syllabus Outcomes
ENS1.5 Compares and contrasts natural and built features in their local area and the ways in which people interact with these features.
ENS1.6 Demonstrates an understanding of the relationship between environments and people. / HSIE K-6 Syllabus Content
Environments Strand
- adaptations to environments to fulfill needs
- changes to the immediate environment as a result of meeting needs and wants
- personal and shared values and responsibilities towards features, sites, places and environments
Science K-10 Outcomes
A student:
ST1-4WS investigates questions and predictions by collecting and recording data, sharing and reflecting on their experience and comparing what they and others know
ST 1-5WT uses a structured design process, everyday tools, materials, equipment and techniques to produce solutions that respond to identified needs and wants
ST1-11LW describes ways that different places in the environment provide for the needs of living things / Science K-10 Content
Students generate and develop ideas by:
- Exploring different materials by observing and manipulating them and using trial-and-error
- Using a range of everyday tools, equipment, materials and techniques
- Observe the different places in a local land or aquatic environment where living things can be found, eg a schoolyards, pond, beach or bush
- Explore the needs of a plant or animal in its environment.
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