Exploring the rainforest

Stage 2 (Years 3-4), Geography, Copeland Tops State Conservation Area

Overview

A water dragon in front of a group of students on a school excursion to Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. Photo: Adam Hollingworth © DPIE

An NPWS guide showing students fungi at Copeland Tops State Conservation Area on an Exploring the rainforest excursion. Photo: Adam Hollingworth © DPIE

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Stage 2 Geography Exploring the rainforest Copeland Tops

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Join us and explore a unique rainforest environment on this Stage 2 (Years 3-4) Geography excursion at Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. Students will conduct field exercises and learn what makes rainforest areas so special.

Read more about Exploring the rainforest

Students will be guided through the dynamic rainforest in the foothills of Barrington Tops. This breathtaking area is the most accessible tract of rare dry rainforest in the Gloucester district. Walking along Copeland Creek, we’ll soak up the scenery under a canopy of red cedar, grey myrtles, shatterwood and many more majestic rainforest species.

The group will discover what a rainforest is and determine why they’re such special places and how we can conserve them. As they explore, they'll identify sustainable practices while considering the significance of the rainforest. Activities along the way may include rainforest art, data collection, a bug survey, nature observation and sensory awareness.

Uncover the mysterious wildlife that call this special place home, including koalas, spotted-tailed quolls, microbats, brush-tailed possums and wompoo pigeons. Students will discover what they eat, where they sleep and how they live in this incredibly diverse environment.

For program outline, safety and practical information about this excursion, see info for teachers

Stage	Stage 2 (Years 3-4)
Learning area	Geography
Student outcomes	GE2-1. Examines features and characteristics of places and environments GE2-2. Describes the ways people, places and environments interact GE2-3. Examines differing perceptions about the management of places and environments GE2-4. Acquires and communicates geographical information using geographical tools for inquiry
Objectives	Students will: Take a guided walk through a rainforest Observe and identify some of the plants and animals living in the rainforest and the relationships between them Identify sustainable practice Investigate the way people value national parks Discuss who organises and manages places like Copeland Tops State Conservation Area and why these national parks are so important.

Excursion details

When: Weekdays during school term.
Availability: Guided. Available on request.
Where: Copeland Tops State Conservation Area in North Coast
Duration: 2hrs
Grading: Easy
Price: $240 for 30 participants (includes GST). Larger school groups welcome, conditions apply.
Accessibility: No wheelchair access
Meeting point: Copeland Tops State Conservation Area carpark
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 - Newcastle Hunter
02 4927 3267
discovery.newcastlehunter@environment.nsw.gov.au
Hunter Wetland Centre, Sandgate Road, Shortland NSW

Park info

in Copeland Tops State Conservation Area in the North Coast region
Copeland Tops State Conservation Area is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

See more visitor info