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.
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.
Switched on
Science and Technology
A hands-on program that includes basic circuit making, testing for insulators and conductors and using small solar panels to drive a motor. Throughout the day students discuss the difference between transferring and transforming energy. Students are challenged to build a solar powered crane that can lift a load. The program also provides an opportunity for students to discuss alternative energy sources.
Kids vs Wild
PDHPE
In this adventure-style program, students are involved in working out bush survival challenges in small groups. Challenges include navigating through the forest using a map, building a shelter and cooking their own lunch. The program is designed to give students a chance to develop and hone social and emotional capabilities, including persistence, organisation, getting along and resilience.
Adaptations of Living Things
Science and Technology
Student learning focuses on the growth and survival of living things and how the structural and behavioural adaptations of living things help them survive in their environment. This program focuses specifically on living things found in or around the river. Students conduct an experiment to determine whether yabbies prefer being in the open or in a sheltered environment. Students also observe the features of some of Thalgarrah's resident animals.
Factors that shape places: Place for a duck *
Geography
Through this program students learn about the needs of a threatened species of duck local to the New England area. We visit a nearby wetland and using geography tools assess to see if the wetland is suitable, or can be modified to made more suitable for the duck.
Post visit activity: With knowledge gained from the fieldwork students write a script for a news report and, with the support of Thalgarrah EEC staff, create an iMovie to present their recommendations to managing the wetland.
* Program is dependent on water levels at Swallowfield Billabong.
- Program Overview: Factors that shape Places - Place for a Duck
- Risk Assessment for Factors that shape Places - Place for a Duck
Scientist for a Day
Science and Technology
What do 'Scientists' do? Students have an opportunity to meet and hear from a scientist who will explain their area of scientific research. Students will get opportunities to create and conduct scientific investigations around energy and communicate their results with their peers.
- Program Overview: Scientist for a Day
- Risk Assessment for Scientist for a Day
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
Thalgarrah EEC staff can assist schools set up Waterwatch; a Citizen Science water monitoring program. Resources can be accessed through the Waterwatch website. This can be offered as an excursion or incursion.
Tiny Gardeners - A Citizen Science project
Science and Technology
The Tiny Gardeners Project is a Citizen Science Project set up by a University of New England scientist. In the investigation, students look at how ants collect and transport tree seeds. Students will learn skills in working scientifically as well as the relationships that exist in nature. This program is only available during Term 1 and Term 4 when the temperatures are warmer and ants are more active.
Tiny Gardeners website
