Emerging Entomologists

Emerging Entomologists

HPGE: Stage 2

Students looking at invertebrates.
Common woodlice

About this program

Emerging Entomologists is a science-based enrichment program in the intellectual domain for high potential and gifted public school students in Stage 2. This one day learning experience is held at the Thalgarrah Environmental Education Centre where students will learn and use scientific techniques used by entomologists to study biology and behaviour of invertebrates. Students will develop skills in scientific thinking, data collection and analysis. Students will also explore different habitats within the local environment. The program is run by an Entomologist, Dr Sue Jaggar.

Activities

Woodlice Wishlists: Students will investigate the movement of woodlice to see their habitat preferences and the choices they make when moving in a maze. Through this investigation, they will develop their understanding of conducting a fair test by identifying and controlling variables, making observations, and recording their results.

Forensic Scientists: Students will take on the role of forensic scientists to solve a mystery by examining the type and size of maggots and grubs found at the crime scene. Students will improve their observation skills and develop an understanding of how scientists draw conclusions based on evidence.

Important information

2026 Program dates

This program will be delivered twice throughout 2026:

  • Tuesday 1 September 2026 (Term 3, Week 7)
  • Thursday 5 November 2026 (Term 4, Week 4)
Booking Information

Contact us to make a booking. Please indicate your chosen date/s when you book (see above, 2026 program dates).

This program is designed to cater for students from multiple schools. Please note that program capacity is capped at 20 students in total. Each school is able to nominate a maximum of 4 students per date.

Sample activities schedule
10.00 am Woodlice Wishlists
12.00 pm Lunch
1.00 pm Forensic Scientists
3.00 pm Program ends
Teacher information
What to bring

Students

  • Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor learning
  • Hat
  • Covered walking shoes
  • Own recess and lunch ('nude food'/plastic free food is encouraged)
  • Water bottle

Teachers

  • Own recess and lunch. Visiting adults are welcome to use the refrigerator and microwave. Tea and coffee is provided.
  • Water bottle
  • Special medical/learning requirements for individual students
Extreme or wet weather

Program may be modified, postponed or cancelled due to predicted extreme temperatures, bush fire danger, heavy rainfall, high winds or dust storms.

Check the weather forecast for the Armidale area.
Medical notifications Notify us 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.

Ready to visit?

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Make a booking

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Contact us

Get in touch to ask a question, plan a visit or find out more about what we offer.

About our centre

Learn how our centre helps students explore, learn and connect with nature.