Insect investigators

Stage 2 - Science and Technology

Program

'Insect investigators' is a Stage 2 excursion delivered at Longneck Lagoon Environmental Education Centre. Students explore how living things interact with their environments. They investigate insects in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats, conduct simple scientific tests, and observe the relationships between living and non-living components of ecosystems. Through hands-on fieldwork and food chain activities, they learn how the Earth’s systems support life and how plants and animals depend on each other for survival.

Important information

Syllabus outcomes and content

Science and Technology K-6 syllabus (2024)

ST2-SCI-01

Uses information to investigate the solar system and the effects of energy on living, physical and geological systems

ST2-PQU-01

Poses questions to create fair tests that investigate the effects of energy on living things and physical systems

ST2-DAT-01

Uses and interprets data to describe patterns and relationships

Content

Living things depend on energy and materials to survive

  • Identify the systems of Earth that make up environments: air – atmosphere, land – lithosphere, water – hydrosphere, living things – biosphere
  • Describe how the needs of living things are provided by the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere
  • Describe the relationship between habitat, ecosystem and environment
  • Observe and describe living and non-living things in a habitat
  • 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
Activities

Students will:

  • conduct scientfic tests to understand how the needs of insects are met by the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere in aquatic and terrestrial environments

  • dipnet to collect and learn more about aquatic macroinvertebrates

  • participate in an interactive 'web of life' activity to understand the transfer of energy within an ecosystem and the interdependence of species.

Teacher information
Vehicle access

Address: 59 Whitmore Road, Maraylya

Large buses/coaches can drop students and teachers at the entrance on Whitmore Road. It is a 400m walk down the drive to the classroom. Bus drop off and pick up should be timed to allow for the walk from the road to the classroom. These times can be negotiated as needed to allow for earlier or later start and finish times.

Minibuses and visitors arriving by private car can enter the gates on Whitmore Road and drive part way down the drive to the signposted 'Visitor parking' area near the mud brick shed. It is a short 100m walk from the visitor parking area to the classroom and office area. We kindly ask that visitors do not drive beyond this point in order to ensure the safety of our students.

Student numbers

Up to 3 classes

Max. 30 students per class

(Please book for multiple dates if numbers exceed 90 students)

What to bring

Students

  • Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor learning (most students wear school uniform or sports uniform)
  • Hat
  • Covered walking shoes
  • Wet weather gear if appropriate (not umbrellas)
  • Own recess and lunch ('nude food'/plastic free food is encouraged!)
  • Refillable water bottle

Teachers

  • Own recess and lunch. Visiting adults are welcome to use the refrigerator and microwave. Tea and coffee is provided.
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Special medical/learning requirements for individual students (such as medication, hearing devices)
Adverse weather On days where the weather is unsuitable, a Longneck Lagoon EEC staff member will contact the organising teacher to discuss alternative arrangements.
Medical notifications Notify Longneck Lagoon EEC by completing and returning the student welfare form at least one week before the excursion. This form will be sent out upon confirmation of booking.
Further information Welcome to Longneck Lagoon EEC
Excursion resources
Coming soon!

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