Let's explore the forest. Identify native and introduced species, build a shelter, and get up close with a squirmy huhu grub.

Students in the forestTamariki engage with some of our beautiful green spaces; learning about local nature through a rich experience in the outdoor wilderness.

Survive the outdoors by connecting deeply with it.

Year level 3 to 8
Curriculum level 2 to 5
Availability Year-round
Times 9.30pm to 11.45am, or 12.30pm to 2.30pm
Site Bottle Lake Forest Park or Spencer Park
Cost Free
Number of students Maximum of 35
Special requirements None
  • The interdependence of the plants and animals living in the forest.
  • Native and Introduced species.
  • Safety in the forest.
  • The life cycle of the Huhu beetle.
  • How we can all play a part in  taking care of natural areas.

Students will explore the dynamics of an exotic, managed forest and learn about living things that call this environment home.

They will learn about maintaining their own safety in the outdoors, including how to build a shelter using readily available forest materials.

For the more adventurous in wild food fare, you may even have the opportunity to sample a squirmy huhu grub.

We are learning to:

  • Recount some of the histories of the Bottle Lake Forest Park area.
  • Identify a variety of native and exotic forest biodiversity.
  • Identify at least 3 key actions to take to ensure a safe trip in the outdoors.
  • Describe the Huhu life cycle.
  • Build a temporary shelter from natural forest materials.

Using language, symbols and texts

Students will interpret language and visual clues to identify examples of biodiversity

Thinking

Students will

  • expand their knowledge around NZ biodiversity;
  • use creative thinking and problem solving skills in a group to construct a shelter;
  • process instructions and information.

Managing self and relating to others

Students will work as part of a group to take on challenges and achieve a goal (e.g. shelter building, eating a grub)

Participating and contributing

Students will contribute to expand group knowledge regarding outdoor safety. Students will participate in building a temporary outdoor shelter for their group.

Curriculum area Strand and level Objective
Science
Pūtaiao		 Nature of Science
Levels 2 to 5		 Investigating in science
Communicating in science
Participating and contributing
Living World
Levels 2 to 5		 Life processes
Ecology
Social Sciences
Tikanga ā-Iwi		 Levels 2 to 5 People and places
Health and Physical Education
Hauora		 Personal Health and Physical Development
Levels 2 to 5		 Safety Management
Healthy Communities and Environments
Levels 2 to 5		 Community resources