Program overview
Exploring rock-pools and examining the weird and wonderful aquatic life within is an exciting way for kindergarten to observe, identify and understand the needs of living things. Whilst adventuring around the harbour on the way to the blowhole, students may be amazed by the sight of the resident sting rays at the boat ramp and humpback whales out at sea. The day is packed full of sensory activities, hands on exploration and creativity, plus a take home message about caring for our local environment.
Learning experiences
Rockpool ramble
The focus upon the rockpools is the identification of living and non-living things. Samples of animals will be located in tubs to create touch pools. Students are directed to safely touch a variety of living things to describe textures and structural features such as shells, tentacles, spikes and soft bodies. Emphasis will be upon the features of living things, their needs and caring for the environment.
Sensory awareness
The focus of this station is the use of the senses to find and classify a variety of beach debris as either alive or never alive. Students play blindfold partners or blindfold rope walk, go on a treasure hunt, use binoculars, magnifying glasses and kaleidoscopes. A nature study table will be set up with embedded and preserved specimens and unusual treasures from the sea shore all to be closely observed with desk-top lenses.
Habitat Games
Working in groups, students use natural materials and plastic animals to create a model habitat for
native animals. This game reinforces the needs of life: Food, Air, Water and Shelter.
Harbour walk, Kiama Lighthouse and Blowhole Point
Kiama Harbour provides the statue and story of the pelican that died from having mistaken plastic bags as a food source. Spotting ‘George and Georgia’ the resident gigantic stingrays at the boat ramp are always a highlight. The blowhole is a well known local attractions and at various times of the year, this spot has a perfect vantage point to spot migrating humpback whales.
