School excursion
A whale of a time
Stage 2 (Years 3-4), Science and Technology, Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area
Overview
Discover the wonderful world of whales on this Stage 2 (Years 3-4) excursion around Walgun Cape Byron headland. This excursion is designed to support the Living World Science and Technology topic content strand.
Read more about A whale of a time
Give your students the experience of being a scientist for a day and bring them on an investigative journey through Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area, where they'll take an in-depth look at whale classification, ecology and habitat.
Students will study the life cycle of a humpback whale, how they are classified based on their observable features, and the interrelationships they have with other key species and the marine environment. Students will learn how scientific knowledge assists us to make predictions and describe patterns and relationships in the environment.
Students will work scientifically to collect data using measurements and observation, and use graphs to represent their data. They'll leave the Cape with a fresh appreciation for real-world science and how it can be used for preserving and managing the environment.
For program outline, safety and practical information about this excursion, see info for teachers
| Stage | Stage 2 (Years 3-4) |
|---|---|
| Learning area | Science and Technology |
| Student outcomes |
ST2-4LW-S. Compares features and characteristics of living and non-living things ST2-1WS-S. Questions, plans and conducts scientific investigations, collects and summarises data and communicates using scientific representations ST2-2DP-T. Selects and uses materials, tools and equipment to develop solutions for a need or opportunity |
| Objectives |
Students will:
|
Excursion details
- When
Weekdays during school term.
- Availability
- Guided. Available on request.
- Duration
- 2hrs
- Grading
- Easy. Guided activities in a national park, on formed and uneven bushwalking tracks and on a grassy picnic area. The track from the lighthouse to Wategos Beach is around 1km.
- Price
-
$12 per person (includes GST). Minimum fee of $240.00 (includes GST). Teachers and other staff are free.
- Accessibility
- Hard
- Meeting point
- Cape Byron Lighthouse precinct end of Lighthouse Road, Byron Bay. Groups meet on the verandah of the northern side of the Lighthouse Keepers Cottage (visitor centre).
- Equipment
provided - Yes
- Booking
- If you would like to organise a NPWS school excursion please get in touch with local staff or use the 'Enquire' link for the online form.
Operated by
- School excursion inquiries - Byron Bay
- 02 6639 8300
- npws.tweedbyron@environment.nsw.gov.au
- Tallow Beach Road, Byron Bay NSW
Park info
- in Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area in the North Coast region
- Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area is open all hours, but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
- Cape Byron Lighthouse lawn is open 8am to sunset.
- The Maritime Museum in the former Lighthouse Keeper’s office at the base of the lighthouse is open 10am to 4pm daily.
- Opening before 8am for events or disabled access can be arranged by prior notice – contact NPWS Byron Bay office during business hours 02 6639 8300.
-
Park entry fees:
Cape Byron Lighthouse lawn and Information Centre: $10 per vehicle per hour/$4 per hour motorcycles. Maximum 1 hour per vehicle per calendar day, including all NPWS annual passholders.
Captain Cook lookout, Cosy Corner, and The Pass: $5 per vehicle/motorcycle per hour. Tap and pay card or phone payments accepted at pay machines. Cash and credit cards accepted at Walgun Cape Byron Information Centre.
Coach entry: $30 per coach up to 30 seats; $57 per coach 31 to 43 seats; $94 per coach 44 seats and over.
Buy annual pass