Primary Programs at Your School
Programs range from $5 per student.
All programs and activities support the DET Environmental Education Policy and outcomes contained within the NSW Board of Studies syllabus documents.
Our programs are designed in consultation with you. They can be used to support your existing curriculum units including COGs and Primary Connections. Examples of programs are provided below.
Please check the Booking Calendar page for available dates.
Please refer to the FAQ page before you attempt to make a booking.
Sustainability
Sustainability focused programs include:
Sustainable House (under construction)
Stage 3
Sustainable house is a integrated Sci Tech and HSIE based unit that focus on the concepts of energy and water efficiency. All your lesson plans for a term (including outcomes and assessment tasks), supporting resources and at least one visit to your school by Field of Mars staff are included. The program emphasises the science at work in a modern household as well as the importance of action for the environment. This program can be adjusted to fit your class needs and will result in enhanced learning outcomes for students.
Cost $5 per student
Living Land
Stage 3
This session focuses on the concepts of energy and water efficiency and provides a good introduction to the science task of designing and modelling an energy efficient residence.
Cost $5 per student
Climate Change (under construction)
Stage 3
This integrated unit focuses on the concept of climate change: What is it? Why is it a problem? and What can we do about it? All your lesson plans for a term (including outcomes and assessment tasks), supporting resources and at least one visit to your school by Field of Mars staff are included. The program emphasises the importance of action for the environment and will result in enhanced learning outcomes for students.
Cost $5 per student
Environmental "Audits"
Stage 2,3
Environmental audits are a really effective way of examining the environmental footprint of your school. Undertake one or more of the following "audits" of your school: energy, water, waste, and biodiversity. Students collect data through hands-on investigation such as surveys, sorting, counting and measuring. Students can then analyse their data and make recommendations for reducing the school's environmental footprint. These "audits" are important to develop, implement and monitor the school's environmental management plan (SEMP).
Cost $5 per student
Paper making
Stage 2,3
Turn waste paper into something new. Students work through the process of recycling paper. Messy but lots of fun, a practical way of introducing and demonstrating the principle of "Reduce, reuse, recycle."
Cost $5 per student
Recycling
Stage 1,2
Find out how to take action for the environment by reducing waste. Students conduct an 'audit' of the school's waste, undertake a lunch-wrap survey, sort a sample of the school's rubbish, investigate rubbish-free lunch options.
Cost $5 per student
Worms
Stage ES1,1,2,3
Learn about worms and how they can help the environment and us. Students make their own mini worm farm. Very fun!
Download sample program
Cost $5 per student
Biodiversity
Living things and biodiversity based programs include:
Earth Alive
Stage 3
Earth Alive is an award winning biodiversity program that can be taught as a stand alone Science and Technology unit or as part of the Interconnecting Growth and Change COG. The program is based around the concept of biodiversity and its importance. All your lesson plans for a term (including outcomes and assessment tasks), supporting resources and three visits to your school by Field of Mars staff are included as part of the package. The program emphasises the importance of action for the environment and will result in enhanced learning outcomes for students.
The core program can be downloaded here.
Supporting booklet and worksheets can be downloaded here.
Cost $8 per student
Bare to Biodiverse
Stage 2,3
Using an Interactive display students discover the ingredients required to increase biodiversity in their school grounds. Students then pot native plant seeds to grow for biodiversity action at school and home.
Cost $5 per student
Local Environments
Stage 2,3
Usually conducted within walking distance of the school it includes activities relating to the natural, built and cultural environments. Explore the special features in the your local area.
Cost $5 per student
Invertebrates
Stage 1,2,3
Explore the amazing diversity of invertebrates that can be found in your school grounds. Students use a range of equipment to find, capture and study these important animals.
Cost $5 per student
Schoolyard Safari
Stage 1
Explore your school grounds in search of animal life. Observe the features of invertebrates that help them to survive. Investigate how invertebrates move, feed and protect themselves.
Cost $5 per student
Beasts and Bees
Stage 1
Find out about one of the most important invertebrates, Australian native bees. Students discover what they look like, where they live and their importance in Australian habitats. Students make a clay bee and a special "Aussie bee habitat" as a reminder of these little-known animals.
Cost $5 per student
Growing and Changing
Stage 1
How do the species found in your local area grow and change? Investigate invertebrates found in the school grounds and focus on life cycles.
Cost $5 per student
Easter Bilby
Stage 1
Just for Year 1 and 2 students and only available before Easter, this program is a mix of painting, craft and language activities. Students learn about bilbies and other Australian animals. They can make a clay bilby as well as other bilby based craft.
Cost $5 per student
2010 Easter Bilby dates are: TBA
Catchments
Water and catchment based programs include:
Water Worlds
Stage 3
Find out about the environmental values of your local creek. We all live in a catchment and our actions effect its well being in one way or another.
Students explore their catchment and gather information to assess its condition and consider how they can contribute to its health. Students conduct a series of chemical, physical and biological water quality tests including collecting aquatic macro-invertebrates as bio-indicators of water quality.
Cost $5 per student
Connected Classroom
Video conferencing can be used to support excursions to the Field of Mars EEC, as well as for other programs.
All programs and activities support the DET Environmental Education Policy and outcomes contained within the NSW Board of Studies syllabus documents.
Our programs are designed in consultation with you. They can be used to support your existing curriculum units including COGs and Primary Connections. Examples of programs are provided below.
Please check the Booking Calendar page for available dates.
Please refer to the FAQ page before you attempt to make a booking.
Sustainability
Sustainability focused programs include:
Sustainable House (under construction)
Stage 3
Sustainable house is a integrated Sci Tech and HSIE based unit that focus on the concepts of energy and water efficiency. All your lesson plans for a term (including outcomes and assessment tasks), supporting resources and at least one visit to your school by Field of Mars staff are included. The program emphasises the science at work in a modern household as well as the importance of action for the environment. This program can be adjusted to fit your class needs and will result in enhanced learning outcomes for students.
Cost $5 per student
Living Land
Stage 3
This session focuses on the concepts of energy and water efficiency and provides a good introduction to the science task of designing and modelling an energy efficient residence.
Cost $5 per student
Climate Change (under construction)
Stage 3
This integrated unit focuses on the concept of climate change: What is it? Why is it a problem? and What can we do about it? All your lesson plans for a term (including outcomes and assessment tasks), supporting resources and at least one visit to your school by Field of Mars staff are included. The program emphasises the importance of action for the environment and will result in enhanced learning outcomes for students.
Cost $5 per student
Environmental "Audits"
Stage 2,3
Environmental audits are a really effective way of examining the environmental footprint of your school. Undertake one or more of the following "audits" of your school: energy, water, waste, and biodiversity. Students collect data through hands-on investigation such as surveys, sorting, counting and measuring. Students can then analyse their data and make recommendations for reducing the school's environmental footprint. These "audits" are important to develop, implement and monitor the school's environmental management plan (SEMP).
Cost $5 per student
Paper making
Stage 2,3
Turn waste paper into something new. Students work through the process of recycling paper. Messy but lots of fun, a practical way of introducing and demonstrating the principle of "Reduce, reuse, recycle."
Cost $5 per student
Recycling
Stage 1,2
Find out how to take action for the environment by reducing waste. Students conduct an 'audit' of the school's waste, undertake a lunch-wrap survey, sort a sample of the school's rubbish, investigate rubbish-free lunch options.
Cost $5 per student
Worms
Stage ES1,1,2,3
Learn about worms and how they can help the environment and us. Students make their own mini worm farm. Very fun!
Download sample program
Cost $5 per student
Biodiversity
Living things and biodiversity based programs include:
Earth Alive
Stage 3
Earth Alive is an award winning biodiversity program that can be taught as a stand alone Science and Technology unit or as part of the Interconnecting Growth and Change COG. The program is based around the concept of biodiversity and its importance. All your lesson plans for a term (including outcomes and assessment tasks), supporting resources and three visits to your school by Field of Mars staff are included as part of the package. The program emphasises the importance of action for the environment and will result in enhanced learning outcomes for students.
The core program can be downloaded here.
Supporting booklet and worksheets can be downloaded here.
Cost $8 per student
Bare to Biodiverse
Stage 2,3
Using an Interactive display students discover the ingredients required to increase biodiversity in their school grounds. Students then pot native plant seeds to grow for biodiversity action at school and home.
Cost $5 per student
Local Environments
Stage 2,3
Usually conducted within walking distance of the school it includes activities relating to the natural, built and cultural environments. Explore the special features in the your local area.
Cost $5 per student
Invertebrates
Stage 1,2,3
Explore the amazing diversity of invertebrates that can be found in your school grounds. Students use a range of equipment to find, capture and study these important animals.
Cost $5 per student
Schoolyard Safari
Stage 1
Explore your school grounds in search of animal life. Observe the features of invertebrates that help them to survive. Investigate how invertebrates move, feed and protect themselves.
Cost $5 per student
Beasts and Bees
Stage 1
Find out about one of the most important invertebrates, Australian native bees. Students discover what they look like, where they live and their importance in Australian habitats. Students make a clay bee and a special "Aussie bee habitat" as a reminder of these little-known animals.
Cost $5 per student
Growing and Changing
Stage 1
How do the species found in your local area grow and change? Investigate invertebrates found in the school grounds and focus on life cycles.
Cost $5 per student
Easter Bilby
Stage 1
Just for Year 1 and 2 students and only available before Easter, this program is a mix of painting, craft and language activities. Students learn about bilbies and other Australian animals. They can make a clay bilby as well as other bilby based craft.
Cost $5 per student
2010 Easter Bilby dates are: TBA
Catchments
Water and catchment based programs include:
Water Worlds
Stage 3
Find out about the environmental values of your local creek. We all live in a catchment and our actions effect its well being in one way or another.
Students explore their catchment and gather information to assess its condition and consider how they can contribute to its health. Students conduct a series of chemical, physical and biological water quality tests including collecting aquatic macro-invertebrates as bio-indicators of water quality.
Cost $5 per student
Connected Classroom
Video conferencing can be used to support excursions to the Field of Mars EEC, as well as for other programs.
Primary Programs at Field of Mars
Programs range from $7 per student.
All programs and activities support the DET Environmental Education Policy and outcomes contained within the NSW Board of Studies syllabus documents.
Our programs are designed in consultation with you. They can be used to support your existing curriculum units including COGs and Primary Connections. Examples of full day programs are provided below.
Please check the Booking Calendar page for available dates.
Please refer to the FAQ page before you attempt to make a booking.
Biodiversity
Living things and biodiversity based programs include:
Interconnecting Growth and Change
Stage 3
Explore the biodiversity of the Field of Mars Reserve to develop understandings about ecosystems. Conduct invertebrate surveys and water quality testing to evaluate the health of the ecosystem. This program can also be run in local bushland.
Cost $7 per student
Mars Alive
Stage 2,3
This one day program is only available during September 'Biodiversity Month'. Mars Alive brings together biodiversity experts from Taronga Zoo and the Field of Mars EEC. Students explore the biological values of the Field of Mars Reserve, meet native animals up close with Taronga Zoo and grow some special native plants for home and school. The event targets outcomes from the Stage 2 units State and National Parks (BoS) and What is a National Park? (NPWS) and the Stage 3 units Environment Matters (BoS), Earth Action and Earth Alive (Field of Mars EEC). It also complements units such as Mini Worlds, Our Australia, Plants in Action, Living Land and Interconnecting Growth and Change.
Download sample program
Cost $10 per student
2010 Mars Alive dates are: TBA
Invertebrate Art
Stage 2,3
Students spend the first part of the day exploring the bush looking for a variety of invertebrates. Using a range of magnification equipment students will get up close and personal with an invertebrate learning all about their special features and roles in the environment. After careful observation and study of an invertebrate, students will create an artwork on mounted canvas. This will involve the use of a variety of media including rollers, pencils, brushes and acrylic paint.
A specialist art teacher helps to run this program.
Download sample program
Cost $12 per student
Digital Woodlands
Stage 2,3
Explore the bush through a camera lens. Students use digital cameras to record the special features of the bush. Images can be used for digital story telling back at school.
Cost $7 per student
Invertebrates
Stage 1,2,3
Explore the amazing diversity of invertebrates that can be found in the bush. Students use a range of equipment to find, capture and study these important animals. This program is well suited to student centred scientific investigations such as recording the different invertebrate types found in different habitats or species of plant.
Download sample program
Cost $7 per student
State and National Parks or What is a National Park?
Stage 2
Find out why we need national parks and protected areas. Students explore the features of protected areas including plants, animals, threats, values and management. Good for civics and citizenship. An invertebrate survey can be included. This program can also support the National Parks and Wildlife Service Stage 2 HSIE program 'What is a National Park?'
Download sample program
Cost $7 per student
Biodiversity for Kids
Stage 2
Students discover why Australian biodiversity is so special and how we can look after it. These activities support the National Parks and Wildlife Service Stage 2 Science and Technology program 'Biodiversity for kids'.
Cost $7 per student
Wet and Dry Environments
Stage 1
Compare the wet mangrove environment with the dry bushland environment. Students discover what makes each of these fascinating environments unique. Investigate they types of animals that use each environment for their home.
Download sample program
Cost $7 per student
The Need for Shelter
Stage 1
Explore the bush looking for the diversity of habitats that species use. Includes a popular design and make activity where students build a minature bush shelter then test its suitability. Students also find and catch invertebrates for close examination.
Download sample program
Cost $7 per student
Teddy Bears Picnic
ES1 and Year 1
This special program focuses on the needs of living things, air, water, shelter and food. Students and their teddies participate in number of activities including an earth walk, habitat games, story time and an amazing picnic in the bush.
Download sample program
Cost $7 per student
2010 Teddy Bears Picnic operates in Term 4 only.
Aboriginal and European Heritage
Aboriginal and European heritage based programs include:
Traditional Aboriginal Bush Resources
Stage 2,3
Discover how Aboriginal people of the Ryde area interacted with the bush for their everyday needs. Students can go on a bush resources trail, build a model shelter and visit some Aboriginal sites.
Download sample program
Cost $7 per student
Heritage
Stage 2,3
Surprising and interesting! Explore the symbols and designs on graves in the Field of Mars Cemetery to find out about past traditions and lifestyles. This activity can be combined with a visit to the 1877 and 1910 schoolrooms at the NSW Schoolhouse Museum (Ph: 02 9805 1186) to experience early school days.
Cost $7 per student
Catchments
Water and catchment based programs include:
Catchment Crawl
Stage 2,3
Find out about the environmental values of creeks in the Ryde area. We all live in a catchment and our actions effect its well being in one way or another. Students explore the Buffalo Creek catchment and gather information to assess its condition and consider how they can contribute to its health. Students conduct a series of chemical, physical and biological water quality tests including collecting aquatic macro-invertebrates as bio-indicators of water quality.
Download sample program
Cost $7 per student
Connected Classroom
Video conferences can be used to support excursions to the Field of Mars EEC.
All programs and activities support the DET Environmental Education Policy and outcomes contained within the NSW Board of Studies syllabus documents.
Our programs are designed in consultation with you. They can be used to support your existing curriculum units including COGs and Primary Connections. Examples of full day programs are provided below.
Please check the Booking Calendar page for available dates.
Please refer to the FAQ page before you attempt to make a booking.
Biodiversity
Living things and biodiversity based programs include:
Interconnecting Growth and Change
Stage 3
Explore the biodiversity of the Field of Mars Reserve to develop understandings about ecosystems. Conduct invertebrate surveys and water quality testing to evaluate the health of the ecosystem. This program can also be run in local bushland.
Cost $7 per student
Mars Alive
Stage 2,3
This one day program is only available during September 'Biodiversity Month'. Mars Alive brings together biodiversity experts from Taronga Zoo and the Field of Mars EEC. Students explore the biological values of the Field of Mars Reserve, meet native animals up close with Taronga Zoo and grow some special native plants for home and school. The event targets outcomes from the Stage 2 units State and National Parks (BoS) and What is a National Park? (NPWS) and the Stage 3 units Environment Matters (BoS), Earth Action and Earth Alive (Field of Mars EEC). It also complements units such as Mini Worlds, Our Australia, Plants in Action, Living Land and Interconnecting Growth and Change.
Download sample program
Cost $10 per student
2010 Mars Alive dates are: TBA
Invertebrate Art
Stage 2,3
Students spend the first part of the day exploring the bush looking for a variety of invertebrates. Using a range of magnification equipment students will get up close and personal with an invertebrate learning all about their special features and roles in the environment. After careful observation and study of an invertebrate, students will create an artwork on mounted canvas. This will involve the use of a variety of media including rollers, pencils, brushes and acrylic paint.
A specialist art teacher helps to run this program.
Download sample program
Cost $12 per student
Digital Woodlands
Stage 2,3
Explore the bush through a camera lens. Students use digital cameras to record the special features of the bush. Images can be used for digital story telling back at school.
Cost $7 per student
Invertebrates
Stage 1,2,3
Explore the amazing diversity of invertebrates that can be found in the bush. Students use a range of equipment to find, capture and study these important animals. This program is well suited to student centred scientific investigations such as recording the different invertebrate types found in different habitats or species of plant.
Download sample program
Cost $7 per student
State and National Parks or What is a National Park?
Stage 2
Find out why we need national parks and protected areas. Students explore the features of protected areas including plants, animals, threats, values and management. Good for civics and citizenship. An invertebrate survey can be included. This program can also support the National Parks and Wildlife Service Stage 2 HSIE program 'What is a National Park?'
Download sample program
Cost $7 per student
Biodiversity for Kids
Stage 2
Students discover why Australian biodiversity is so special and how we can look after it. These activities support the National Parks and Wildlife Service Stage 2 Science and Technology program 'Biodiversity for kids'.
Cost $7 per student
Wet and Dry Environments
Stage 1
Compare the wet mangrove environment with the dry bushland environment. Students discover what makes each of these fascinating environments unique. Investigate they types of animals that use each environment for their home.
Download sample program
Cost $7 per student
The Need for Shelter
Stage 1
Explore the bush looking for the diversity of habitats that species use. Includes a popular design and make activity where students build a minature bush shelter then test its suitability. Students also find and catch invertebrates for close examination.
Download sample program
Cost $7 per student
Teddy Bears Picnic
ES1 and Year 1
This special program focuses on the needs of living things, air, water, shelter and food. Students and their teddies participate in number of activities including an earth walk, habitat games, story time and an amazing picnic in the bush.
Download sample program
Cost $7 per student
2010 Teddy Bears Picnic operates in Term 4 only.
Aboriginal and European Heritage
Aboriginal and European heritage based programs include:
Traditional Aboriginal Bush Resources
Stage 2,3
Discover how Aboriginal people of the Ryde area interacted with the bush for their everyday needs. Students can go on a bush resources trail, build a model shelter and visit some Aboriginal sites.
Download sample program
Cost $7 per student
Heritage
Stage 2,3
Surprising and interesting! Explore the symbols and designs on graves in the Field of Mars Cemetery to find out about past traditions and lifestyles. This activity can be combined with a visit to the 1877 and 1910 schoolrooms at the NSW Schoolhouse Museum (Ph: 02 9805 1186) to experience early school days.
Cost $7 per student
Catchments
Water and catchment based programs include:
Catchment Crawl
Stage 2,3
Find out about the environmental values of creeks in the Ryde area. We all live in a catchment and our actions effect its well being in one way or another. Students explore the Buffalo Creek catchment and gather information to assess its condition and consider how they can contribute to its health. Students conduct a series of chemical, physical and biological water quality tests including collecting aquatic macro-invertebrates as bio-indicators of water quality.
Download sample program
Cost $7 per student
Connected Classroom
Video conferences can be used to support excursions to the Field of Mars EEC.
Secondary Programs at Your School
Programs range from $5 per student.
All programs and activities support the DET Environmental Education Policy and outcomes contained within the NSW Board of Studies syllabus documents.
Our programs are designed in consultation with you. They can be used to support your existing curriculum units. Examples of programs are provided below.
Please check the Booking Calendar page for available dates.
Please refer to the FAQ page before you attempt to make a booking.
Environmental "Audits" - HSIE
Stage 4,5,6 Field of Mars EEC staff can assist students in undertaking one or more of the following "audits" of your school: energy, water, waste and biodiversity. Students collect data through hands-on investigation such as surveys, sorting, counting and measuring. Students then analyse their data and make recommendations for improvements. The "audits" are an important component of developing the school's environmental management plan (SEMP).
Cost $5 per student
Connected Classroom
Video conferences can be used to support excursions to the Field of Mars EEC.
All programs and activities support the DET Environmental Education Policy and outcomes contained within the NSW Board of Studies syllabus documents.
Our programs are designed in consultation with you. They can be used to support your existing curriculum units. Examples of programs are provided below.
Please check the Booking Calendar page for available dates.
Please refer to the FAQ page before you attempt to make a booking.
Environmental "Audits" - HSIE
Stage 4,5,6 Field of Mars EEC staff can assist students in undertaking one or more of the following "audits" of your school: energy, water, waste and biodiversity. Students collect data through hands-on investigation such as surveys, sorting, counting and measuring. Students then analyse their data and make recommendations for improvements. The "audits" are an important component of developing the school's environmental management plan (SEMP).
Cost $5 per student
Connected Classroom
Video conferences can be used to support excursions to the Field of Mars EEC.
Secondary Programs at Field of Mars
Programs range from $7 per student.
All programs and activities support the DET Environmental Education Policy and outcomes contained within the NSW Board of Studies syllabus documents.
Our programs are designed in consultation with you. They can be used to support your existing curriculum units including COGs and Primary Connections. Examples of programs are provided below.
Please check the Booking Calendar page for available dates.
Please refer to the FAQ page before you attempt to make a booking.
Science
A Local Ecosystem
Stage 6 Biology and Senior Science
Students plan and perform practical investigations of the distribution of plants along a transect in sclerophyll woodland and relative abundance of specific species in mangroves using quadrats. As part of their investigation students also measure some of the abiotic factors in these areas and relate them to the vegetative distribution. They also observe and infer adaptations of plants and animals and record examples of interactions between organisms in these ecosystems.
An introduction to the reserve and fieldwork techniques is held at your school prior to the excursion.
A Local Ecosystem Links page here
Download the A Local Ecosystem worksheets Part A Part B Part C
Cost $7 per student
Grime Scene Investigations
Stage 4 Science
This program is based on quality teaching principles and involves student-directed investigations into the local environment and relevant environmental management issues.
Specifically, this program focuses on a scientific study of the health of an estuary. It covers the syllabus outcomes of 4.8 Features of living things and 4.10 Factors affecting survival of organisms, as well as content in the areas of classification, adaptations, uni- and multi-cellular organisms and ecosystems. The integration of Technology and Environmental Education Policy objectives are key components of the project.
Cost $7 per student
Geography
Biophysical Interactions
Stage 6
In this program students will typically examine the key biophysical processes and interactions involved in a forest ecosystem. A site survey and water quality analysis is conducted with a study of the health of a waterway, assessing current and potential impacts, problems and management responses.
Cost $7 per student
Issues in Australian Environments
Stage 5
Typically student groups rotate through a range of activity stations investigating the topic of the geographic issues surrounding the sustainable management of remnant areas of bushland in urban settings.
This program can be run as a prescribed set of worksheet focussed activities focussing on the gathering and evaluation of relevant geographical information through the use of appropriate geographical tools. Alternatively it can be run as a more open ended experience for students who are developing and executing their own research action plans.
Cost $7 per student
Visual Arts
Stage 5
Led by an art teacher, students will be introduced to the world of observation drawing. Students begin with simple observation drawing tasks before moving outside to create a large landscape artwork. A variety of media and techniques will be used throughout the day.
Cost $12 per student. Includes all art materials and media.
Maths
Stage 4/5/6
The parklands and mangrove wetlands of the Buffalo creek area offer a great venue for practical mathematical activities such as geometry, number plane co-ordinates, trigonometry, area & volume, mapping, bearings, statistics and more.
Field of Mars can combine a combination of these activities into a rich assessment task that works at the appropriate level for your students. (most activities fit best at a stage 5/6 level).
Any fieldwork is framed in the real life contexts of Environmental Impact statements, Surveying, Planning, Engineering and Mapping.
Download the Map of Buffalo Creek Reserve.
Cost $7 per student
Envirothon
Stage 6
A challenging state-wide competition that tests environmental problem solving skills and awareness. Each government high school may enter one team of four Year 11 students in this state-wide competition. Schools compete in regional events in order to win a place in the state Envirothon finals, an overnight event at a secret location with food and accomodation provided for visiting teams and accompanying staff.
Dates
Regional Envirothon
Term 4. Date TBA Venue: Field of Mars Reserve
Envirothon Finals
Term 4. Date TBA Venue: TBA
Envirothon Website
Connected Classroom
Video conferences can be used to support excursions to the Field of Mars EEC.
All programs and activities support the DET Environmental Education Policy and outcomes contained within the NSW Board of Studies syllabus documents.
Our programs are designed in consultation with you. They can be used to support your existing curriculum units including COGs and Primary Connections. Examples of programs are provided below.
Please check the Booking Calendar page for available dates.
Please refer to the FAQ page before you attempt to make a booking.
Science
A Local Ecosystem
Stage 6 Biology and Senior Science
Students plan and perform practical investigations of the distribution of plants along a transect in sclerophyll woodland and relative abundance of specific species in mangroves using quadrats. As part of their investigation students also measure some of the abiotic factors in these areas and relate them to the vegetative distribution. They also observe and infer adaptations of plants and animals and record examples of interactions between organisms in these ecosystems.
An introduction to the reserve and fieldwork techniques is held at your school prior to the excursion.
A Local Ecosystem Links page here
Download the A Local Ecosystem worksheets Part A Part B Part C
Cost $7 per student
Grime Scene Investigations
Stage 4 Science
This program is based on quality teaching principles and involves student-directed investigations into the local environment and relevant environmental management issues.
Specifically, this program focuses on a scientific study of the health of an estuary. It covers the syllabus outcomes of 4.8 Features of living things and 4.10 Factors affecting survival of organisms, as well as content in the areas of classification, adaptations, uni- and multi-cellular organisms and ecosystems. The integration of Technology and Environmental Education Policy objectives are key components of the project.
Cost $7 per student
Geography
Biophysical Interactions
Stage 6
In this program students will typically examine the key biophysical processes and interactions involved in a forest ecosystem. A site survey and water quality analysis is conducted with a study of the health of a waterway, assessing current and potential impacts, problems and management responses.
Cost $7 per student
Issues in Australian Environments
Stage 5
Typically student groups rotate through a range of activity stations investigating the topic of the geographic issues surrounding the sustainable management of remnant areas of bushland in urban settings.
This program can be run as a prescribed set of worksheet focussed activities focussing on the gathering and evaluation of relevant geographical information through the use of appropriate geographical tools. Alternatively it can be run as a more open ended experience for students who are developing and executing their own research action plans.
Cost $7 per student
Visual Arts
Stage 5
Led by an art teacher, students will be introduced to the world of observation drawing. Students begin with simple observation drawing tasks before moving outside to create a large landscape artwork. A variety of media and techniques will be used throughout the day.
Cost $12 per student. Includes all art materials and media.
Maths
Stage 4/5/6
The parklands and mangrove wetlands of the Buffalo creek area offer a great venue for practical mathematical activities such as geometry, number plane co-ordinates, trigonometry, area & volume, mapping, bearings, statistics and more.
Field of Mars can combine a combination of these activities into a rich assessment task that works at the appropriate level for your students. (most activities fit best at a stage 5/6 level).
Any fieldwork is framed in the real life contexts of Environmental Impact statements, Surveying, Planning, Engineering and Mapping.
Download the Map of Buffalo Creek Reserve.
Cost $7 per student
Envirothon
Stage 6
A challenging state-wide competition that tests environmental problem solving skills and awareness. Each government high school may enter one team of four Year 11 students in this state-wide competition. Schools compete in regional events in order to win a place in the state Envirothon finals, an overnight event at a secret location with food and accomodation provided for visiting teams and accompanying staff.
Dates
Regional Envirothon
Term 4. Date TBA Venue: Field of Mars Reserve
Envirothon Finals
Term 4. Date TBA Venue: TBA
Envirothon Website
Connected Classroom
Video conferences can be used to support excursions to the Field of Mars EEC.