9.15am-2.00pm
Full-day program
Maximum of 2 classes
Through story, exploration and connection with nature, students develop an understanding of the importance of trees and their role in supporting the forest and its living things. Using their senses, they investigate the natural environment and work together to care for Country.
Students will be able to:
- understand why trees and forests are special places, and how to care for Country
- understand the needs of living things, and how the habitat in which plants and animals live supports this
- observe external features of plants and animals
- undertake scientific inquiry through understanding, developing and using their senses
Program outline
Students are invited to a Bunyaville Gathering by Gran and Gurrar (forest trees) to share, care and learn about why trees are important to the forest and all that live there. Students learn through play, investigation, and exploration, while also being introduced to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives on caring for Country.
On arrival, the students meet Gran and her forest friends and learn about the exciting activities she and Gurrar have planned for them. Students begin with a sensory experience that strengthens their awareness of the world around them, exploring with and without blindfolds, and with and without shoes, to engage all their senses. Whilst exploring their senses they also investigate what trees need to survive and what trees give to us. The day is going to plan until a new character appears on the scene wanting to turn the forest into houses. The students, now on a mission to save the forest, enlist the help of Gurrar to find as much information as possible about the importance of the trees to us and the forest friends that it supports. Using their newly sharpened senses, students take part in an earthwalk to observe, explore and investigate the forest more closely. The day concludes with the character returning, and students sharing their newfound knowledge to protect and save their special place.
P.S. Don’t tell your students about the twist in the story. It will all be revealed on the day.