Excursions

Creepy crawlies in the Canning

Exploring life underwater

Investigate what lives in the Canning River without even getting wet! Students access the riverbank to sample river life. The fascinating features of aquatic invertebrates can really be appreciated when seen with iScopes. Students also consider the importance of caring for our river system and what they can do to help.

$8 per student |1.5 hours | WA Curriculum – Science, HASS, Priorities – Sust

Pobblebonk swamp

Frog features, lifecycles and habitats

Join us down at Pobblebonk Swamp to meet our local frogs. Learn about frog features, lifecycles and habitats. There are frogs that sound like motorbikes and frogs that do not develop from tadpoles – astonishing! Discover how your school can help protect frogs by creating a frog friendly hangout at your school.

$8 per student | 1.5 hours | WA Curriculum – Science, HASS, Priorities – Sust

Bush detective

Investigating local animals and places

Many of our native animals are very secretive and can be difficult to find! Students use examples of animal evidence such as skulls, feathers and nests, and puzzles to investigate what lives in and around the Canning River Regional Park. They then apply their detective skills on a nature walk and record their observations by making a model of their own to take home.

$8 per student | 1.5 hours | WA Curriculum – Science, HASS, Priorities – Sust

Djarlgarra Yarning Years K-12

‘Canning River Stories’

The Noongar people’s strong connection with the wetlands and rivers that flow across the Swan Coastal Plain forms the basis for much of their culture, spirituality, and identity. Hear from an experienced Noongar educator who demonstrates first-hand how the resources provided by the land and river were traditionally used and how the seasons dictated their availability and sustainable use. Students participate in a range of hands-on activities suited to age level. *This program is adapted to each year level based on WA Curriculum content.

The 2025 dates for the programs are:

• Term 1, Week 9: 31 March, 1 and 2 April
• Term 2, Week 5: 26, 27 and 28 May
• Term 3, Week 6: 25, 26 and 27 August
• Term 4, Week 4: 3, 4 and 5 November
• Session times are 9.30am to 11.30am, or midday to 2pm

$13 per student | 2 hours | WA Curriculum – Science, HASS, Priorities – Sust, A & TSI

Doug the Darter

A local waterbird’s dice with death

Hear the ‘real life’ rescue story of Doug the Darter, a waterbird who became entangled in rubbish. This story highlights how waste enters our waterways and the impacts it can have on wildlife. Students participate in a rubbish survey and create their own waste net to display in their classroom. *Suitable for Year 1 - 3.

$8 per student | 1.5 hours | WA Curriculum – Science, HASS, Priorities - Sust.

Take a Dip

Exploring river ecosystems

This popular, interactive program provides students with the opportunity to sample and record the amazing and diverse macroinvertebrate communities that live in the Canning River. Students use field equipment to investigate the critical role of aquatic life in maintaining the health of wetland ecosystems. *Classification, adaptations or food webs can be a focus on request.
*Also suitable for Yr 7 – Biological Sciences

$8 per student | 1.5 hours | WA Curriculum – Science, HASS, Priorities - Sust.

From Range to River

The story of our catchment

Where does the Canning River come from and where does it flow to? A big picture view of our waterways is presented as students interact with a 3-D model to consider the human impacts on the Swan-Canning River catchment, the consequences for living things and action people can take for sustainable change.

$8 per student | 1.5 hours | WA Curriculum – Science, HASS, Priorities - Sust. 

Weir-D Science

How living things adapt to changes in the physical environment

The Kent Street Weir on the Canning River has been in place for nearly 100 years. Students investigate the role of the Weir, how it has altered the river system and how plants and animals have adapted to changes in the physical environment. Students compare fresh and salt water ecosystems by conducting salinity tests on either side of the Weir and map changes in vegetation along the River. * Suitable for Yr 5 onwards ONLY

$8 per student | 1.5 hours | WA Curriculum – Science, HASS, Priorities - Sust.

River Diaries

Revealing the river’s past

Students glimpse into the past lives of those who lived and settled around the Canning River by investigating historical records such as maps, photos and diaries. Students participate in team games that highlight different community perspectives and how they have shaped the river over time. 

$8 per student | 1.5 hours | WA Curriculum – HASS | Science | Lit | CCT | A&TSI year 3-6 | ER | Sust.

Djarlgarra Yarning - Years K-12

‘Canning River Stories’

The Noongar people’s strong connection with the wetlands and rivers that flow across the Swan Coastal Plain forms the basis for much of their culture, spirituality, and identity. Hear from an experienced Noongar educator who demonstrates first-hand how the resources provided by the land and river were traditionally used and how the seasons dictated their availability and sustainable use. Students participate in a range of hands-on activities suited to age level. *This program is adapted to each year level based on WA Curriculum content.

The 2024 dates for the programs are:

• Term 1, Week 9: 25, 26, and 27 March
• Term 2, Week 6: 20, 21 and 23 May
• Term 3, Week 7: 26, 27 and 28 August
• Term 4, Week 4: 28, 29 and 30 October
• Session times are 9.30am to 11.30am, or midday to 2pm

$11 per student | 2 hours | WA Curriculum – Science, HASS, Priorities - Sust, A and TSI.

Rivers at Risk

Identifying hazards and associated risks to natural ecosystems

Students are introduced to natural and ecological hazards associated with river systems within an urban catchment such as drought, introduced species and eutrophication. Students take a guided walk through the Canning River Regional Park to consider the risks associated with these hazards and how they may be sustainably managed at a local level.

$8 per student | 1.5 hours 
Curriculum links: Geography/ATAR Unit 1, Geography/General Unit 1, Earth and Environmental Science/ATAR Unit 4, Earth and Environmental Science/General Unit 4

Testing Testing H₂0

A comparison of water quality

The Kent Street Weir on the Canning River provides a unique location to compare two river systems. Students use field equipment to assess abiotic features such as pH, salinity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and nutrient levels both upstream and downstream of the Weir. Water quality data is compared and discussed in terms of the impacts on aquatic life and the long-term management of the Canning River.

$8 per student | 1.5 hours 
Curriculum links: Biology/ATAR Unit 1, Biology/General Unit 4, Integrated Science/ATAR Unit 2, Integrated Science/General Unit 1, Geography/ATAR Unit 3, Geography/General Unit 1
*Can be adapted for Yr 9 – Biological Sciences

SIGNALs in the Stream

An ecological snapshot of river health

Using the SIGNAL model as an assessment tool, students gain an indication of water quality in the Canning River by sampling and classifying aquatic macro-invertebrates. Results are discussed within a broader framework of sustainable water management within the Swan-Canning River catchment. 

$9 per student | 2 hours 
Curriculum links: Biology/ATAR Unit 1, Biology/General Unit 4, Integrated Science/ATAR Unit 2 Integrated Science/General Unit 1, Geography/ATAR Unit 3, Geography/General Unit 1

Aquatic Ecosystems

Investigate connections within an aquatic or wetland ecosystem by measuring and characterising its biotic and abiotic components. Test the water quality, sample macroinvertebrates and consider the role of humans in modifying the ecosystems.

$16.50 per student | 4 hours 
Curriculum links: Biology/ATAR Unit 1, Biology/General Unit 4, Geography/ATAR Unit 3, Geography/General Unit 1, Integrated Science/ATAR Unit 2, Integrated Science/General Unit 1

Djarlgarra Yarning - Years K-12

'Canning River Stories'

The Noongar people’s strong connection with the wetlands and rivers that flow across the Swan Coastal Plain forms the basis for much of their culture, spirituality, and identity. Hear from an experienced Noongar educator who demonstrates first-hand how the resources provided by the land and river were traditionally used and how the seasons dictated their availability and sustainable use. Students participate in a range of hands-on activities suited to age level. *This program is adapted to each year level based on WA Curriculum content.

The 2024 dates for the programs are:

• Term 1, Week 9: 25, 26, and 27 March
• Term 2, Week 6: 20, 21 and 23 May
• Term 3, Week 7: 26, 27 and 28 August
• Term 4, Week 4: 28, 29 and 30 October
• Session times are 9.30am to 11.30am, or midday to 2pm

$11 per student | 2 hours | WA Curriculum – Science, HASS, Priorities - Sust. A and TSI

Zoom in on amazing wetland birdlife!

Canning River Regional Park is home to a diverse range of local and migratory birds. Using binoculars and surveying techniques, students can check out waterbirds that live in and around the Park. Class set of binoculars and identification sheets provided.

Year: K - 12 | No cost | Duration: Approx. 50 minutes

Use your super senses to investigate the wetlands

This self-guided walk encourages little eyes, ears and noses to observe and record the natural wonders of the Canning River wetlands. Class set of magnifying glasses, checklists, clipboards and pencils provided. Cameras are also available on request.

Year: K - 2 | No cost | Duration: Approx. 50 minutes

Touching base with your local place

This self-guided trail traverses seven sites that highlight natural, managed and constructed features within the Canning River Regional Park. Laminated maps, teacher’s commentary and a resource bag are provided.

Year: 4 - 10 | No cost | Duration: Approx. 60 minutes