Nature's Story
Creative Arts, English
Students will be introduced to the basic techniques and methods of digital photography and photo editing on an iPad. Using an iPad shared between two, students wander through the woodland adjacent to Thalgarrah taking a portfolio of photographs that portray the special features of nature. Students are also given solitude time in nature and develop a word bank. Upon return, students select their favourite photo to be edited, printed and framed. They also make a montage of images and words to convey nature's story, practising skills in visual literacy. Students’ printed images will be used to form a gallery for an art appreciation session.
T.E.A.M. (Together Everyone Achieves More)
PDHPE
This full day program begins with a discussion of what makes a good team. Using the agreed upon principles, students are then involved with a variety of outdoor team challenges where they can practise being a good team player and leadership skills. Activities are very active and involve students in different sized teams throughout the day. Activities include rogaining, making fire and cooking lunch.
Earth’s Environment at New England National Park
Geography
Students explore a wet eucalypt forest at Thungutti Campsite within New England National Park. Thalgarrah staff lead students through a series of workshops gathering data on the animals and habitats within the forest. We then take the bus to the Antarctic beech forest where students are given an opportunity to compare the two environments. We then lead students on walking tracks through the National Parks, stopping to admire breath-taking views to the east, until we end up at another campsite for lunch. Students are prompted to consider the many reasons for having National Parks and how we can best look after them.
- Program Overview: Earth's Environment at New England NP
- Risk Assessment for Earth's Environment at New England NP
The Changing Surface of the Earth
Science & Technology
The Earth's surface has changed over time through the efforts of nature and people. Through this program, students gain increased understanding of what makes up soil, why it needs to be protected, and how it erodes through natural processes and human activity. They perform a fair test to see if ground cover can help to minimise erosion and visit places on “Swallowfield” farm to see how the farmer has tried to protect the soil from erosion.
- Program Overview: The changing surface of the Earth
- Risk Assessment for The changing surface of the Earth
Aboriginal Studies
Geography / History
The Thalgarrah site has rich archaeological evidence of the Anaiwan people's occupation. In addition to examining the artefacts they used, this program attempts to study how they survived in the woodland environment. Students spend time outside using an apparatus similar to a woomera to see if it improves their throwing strength and accuracy. Students also embark on activities to help appreciate connection to the environment around them.
Life of Plants
Science and Technology
This program involves students on a photographic treasure hunt to find different stages of a plant’s life cycle. Can they find flowers, seed cases, and baby plants? Following a procedural text, students set up a system to grow their own alfalfa sprouts using simple materials and seeds. Students set up a fair test to investigate the benefits of some seeds having wings. How far will your “seed” fly in the wind?
Classifying Living Things
Science and Technology
Throughout this program student gain knowledge and experience of the different ways living things are sorted and classified based on observable features. It involves a trip to the river to catch a variety of waterbugs as well as a bush walk through the woodland looking for evidence of living things. Students use keys to sort plants and animals and then create their own creature at the end of the day.
Life in Cycles
Science and Technology
What are the similarities and differences in the life cycles of living things? Students explore the similarities and differences between some plants and animals, including some of our resident animals here at Thalgarrah. They also have an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of a particular animals life cycle through producing a movie on their chosen animal.
Art of Nature / Nature of Art
Creative Arts
In this program, students are outdoors looking at the elements of nature in a different way. They are taught a variety of painting and drawing skills that they use to produce a series of artworks inspired by the natural world.
Waterwatch
Available on site at Thalgarrah EEC or sites close to your school.
Thalgarrah EEC staff can assist schools to be involved with Waterwatch; a Citizen Science water monitoring program.
We can also run Waterbug Watch in Autumn and Spring at Thalgarrah EEC or elsewhere.
