Humpback Whale Watching
Living World - Stages 1-3
Location
Kamay Botany Bay EEC
Kamay Botany Bay National Park, Kurnell
Overview
Whale-watching season in Sydney is an extraordinary experience. More than 40,000 whales make their way along the NSW coast on their northern migration, known as the Humpback Highway.
The majestic humpback whales begin their migration past Sydney from mid-May, with the peak whale-watching season occurring between June and July. The whales then head back towards the Southern Ocean from August to November, often accompanied by mothers and calves. This is the perfect time for students to witness these magnificent creatures up close and marvel at their incredible journey from Cape Solander whale watching platform. The students will then investigate the bushland and discover how Aboriginal people cared for and utilised the land. They will also explore the captivating rocky shoreline, visit the impressive Burri Burri sculpture, and marvel at the awe-inspiring ribs of the whale sculpture. This engaging experience promises to be both educational and unforgettable!
Photo credit: Peter Taseski
Stage 1
- describes observable features of living things and their environments ST1-4LW-S
- observes, questions and collects data to communicate and compare ideas ST1-1WS-S
Stage 2
- questions, plans and conducts scientific investigations, collects and summarises data and communicates using scientific representations ST2-1WS-S
- compares features and characteristics of living and non-living things ST2-4LW-S
Stage 3
- examines how the environment affects the growth, survival and adaptation of living things ST3-4LW-S
- plans and conducts scientific investigations to answer testable questions, and collects and summarises data to communicate conclusions ST3-1WS-S
- How can we improve a local environment to encourage living things to thrive?
- How are environments and living things interdependent?
- How do physical conditions affect the survival of living things?
- How do the structural and behavioural features of living things support survival?
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures
- Sustainability
- Literacy
- Numeracy
| 10.00 - 10:20 | Introduction, toilets & fruit break/recess. Catch the bus to Cape Solander |
| 10:40 – 11:30 | Humpback whale watching |
| 11:30 – 12:20 |
Bush walk-Cliff board walk (Cape Baily Track) |
| Catch the bus back to Commemoration Flat | |
| 12:30 – 1.00 | Lunch |
|
1:00 – 1:40 5 minutes to walk back to meeting area |
The whales sculpture and beach walk |
| 1:45-1.50 | Feedback, reflect on key inquiry question |
* There may be variations to timetable based on specific location, group size and weather
Students will:
-
visit Cape Solander, which features a lookout with a special whale viewing platform, along with information on whales seen in Sydney waters
-
investigate the bushland and discover how Aboriginal people care for and utilise the land
-
explore the captivating rocky shoreline
-
visit, sketch, and paint the impressive Burri Burri sculpture, and marvel at the awe-inspiring ribs of the whale sculpture
Please note that one bus must stay for the duration of the excursion to transport students to and from Cape Solander.