Wilson Botanic Park Berwick's Education Program incorporates the Science and History curriculum to create a place-based learning experience for students in Grades Prep-2. During their time at the Park, students will take on the role of 'Park Explorers'. Our Education Facilitators will guide students in hands-on learning activities including a fossil dig, bird spotting, and a volcano experiment.
More information is provided below on this page and in the education program flyer.
Volcanoes, Fossils and Bird Spotting
Suitability: Foundation to year 2.
Time: 10:30 am-12:30 pm, Monday to Friday (during the school term)
Suggested itinerary
To enjoy and make the most of your day at the park we suggest the following.
- 9:30 am – bus arrival
- 10.00 am – morning tea and toilets
- 10.30 am – start program
- 12.30 pm - end program
- 12.35 pm - lunch & playground
- 2.00 pm – bus departure
Cost: $12.50 per student (minimum of 18 students, maximum of 60 students)
Activities
Students will experience place-based learning in nature, exploring the history of the park and taking part in the following activities.
- Hands-on fossil dig
- Erupting volcano science experiment
- Bird spotting with binoculars
- Floor is Lava, team building game.
Pre and Post Excursion Activities
A ‘word search’ worksheet will be emailed the week prior to your excursion to get the children thinking about what might be happening when they visit the park.
A ‘what did you learn at the park’ worksheet will be emailed to the school after your visit for children to recap their learnings.
Victorian curriculum links
Science and History components:
- Science Understanding - (VCSSU044), (VCSSU045).
- Science Inquiry Skills - (VCSIS050), (VCSIS051), (VCSIS052), (VCSIS054)
- History - Community Histories - (VCHHK063).
Health and Physical Education components:
- Use strategies to work in group situations when participating in physical activities (VCHPEM085).
- Identify rules and fair play when creating and participating in physical activities (VCHPEM087).
Group sizes and supervision
The minimum group size is 18 students. And the maximum we can accommodate is 60 students, which will be broken into 2 groups of 30 with one park ranger for each.
There is a minimum of 4 teachers and parent helpers required for supervision of the students, however, we highly encourage a 1:5 supervision ratio.
Larger groups may be accommodated upon request.
Bookings and payment
To make a booking, please complete the online booking form.
On the day of your visit, you will be provided with an invoice for the total number of students attending. Payment options include Direct deposit or EFTPOS. Payment is due 30 days from the last day of the month.
We do not accept Amex payments
Preparing for your visit
All booked? Great! Please now have a read through the information below.
Before and after your visit
Medical and mobility concerns
Please inform our staff of any mobility concerns or medical information that may be relevant. Our staff have level 2 first aid training and a well maintained first aid station, however we do not have access to your students' medical records so please inform us of any allergies or conditions prior to the date of your excursion. You have the primary duty of care for your students while at Wilson Botanic Park.
Checklist for students:
- Waste-free packed lunch and water bottle
- Hat and sunscreen, or wet weather gear (weather dependent)
Checklist for teachers:
- Student roll
- First aid kit
Arrival and meeting point
Bus parking is available outside the Visitor Centre. Upon arrival, a staff member will guide you to Lakeside where students can have their morning tea.
The closest toilets are in the Multipurpose Room. We ask that the students use these prior to the program commencing.
Bag storage
School bags will be stored at the Multipurpose for the duration of the program.
After the program
Lunch and playground
School groups are welcome to stick around after the program ends to have lunch and use the playground.
Feedback
Receiving feedback on our Education Program allows us to provide the best possible experience to visiting school groups. We welcome both positive and negative feedback in our short feedback form.
Have a question?
We're happy to help! Please contact our staff directly on 9705 5599 or wbpb@casey.vic.gov.au