NSW Environmental Education Centres

Natural learning

Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre

Field of Mars EEC

Field of Mars EEC is based within the ecologically rich urban bushland of Field of Mars Reserve in East Ryde, part of the Lane Cove River catchment. We also use additional local bushland, waterways, parks and urban sites to deliver flexible outdoor and incursions programs. These natural settings enable real-world environmental and sustainability learning that connects to student’s local communities.

What we offer 

We work with NSW public and non-government schools across Greater Sydney to deliver:

  • School excursions and incursions for K–12 students, tailored to syllabus outcomes and class needs.
  • HPGE enrichment programs and specialised fieldwork or creative-arts opportunities for high-potential students.
  • Teacher professional Learning workshops and training in outdoor education, environmental learning, fieldwork pedagogy and sustainability practices.
  • Pre-visit and post-visit resources, digital books, lesson ideas, classroom activities and learning support materials to reinforce excursion/incursion experiences back at school.

Our team and expertise

All Field of Mars EEC programs are led by qualified NSW Department of Education teachers with specialist training in environmental education, outdoor learning and fieldwork. Our staff draw on local ecological knowledge and professional teaching expertise to deliver safe, engaging and syllabus-aligned environmental learning experiences.

Who can book / school eligibility

Our role in the NSW Environmental Education Network

Field of Mars EEC is part of the broader network of NSW Environmental and Zoo Education Centres, delivering high-quality, teacher-led outdoor and sustainability education throughout the state. We support schools with expertise, resources and opportunities to engage students with nature, environmental science, sustainability and place-based learning.

Why choose Field of Mars EEC?

  • Centrally located in Sydney bushland near East Ryde, easily accessible for metropolitan schools.
  • Qualified NSW Department of Education teachers delivering all programs.
  • A wide range of flexible, curriculum-aligned programs for K–12, excursions, incursions, HPGE, teacher PL.
  • Real-world, hands-on learning in natural environments linking science, geography, sustainability and culture.
  • Comprehensive pre-visit and follow-up learning resources to support ongoing environmental education in schools.

The centre sits on Wallumedegal Country.

Visit Field of Mars EEC website

Maps end here
Maps end here


Poetic adventures

English

Stage 3

Come on an amazing mini hike exploring the little things that make the Field of Mars Reserve and other natural places so special. 

Poetic adventures is a English focused program where students collaborate on the development of a digital communication product using a range of apps, poetic devices and visual literacy strategies. 

Students will develop environmental vocabulary and use the English textual concept of perspective to create a poem based on the experiences of a minifigure. Using an iPad they will learn how to take beautiful macro photos and create a digital story to bring their poem to life. 

Program details

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Human impacts and introduced species

Earth and Environmental Science

Stage 6

Syllabus inquiry question: How do introduced species affect the Australian environment and ecosystems?

This fieldwork investigates how introduced species affect the functioning of the environments at Field of Mars Reserve.

This Earth and Environmental Science excursion for Stage 6 involves hands-on fieldwork around Strangers Creek. Students will collect data and information to assess whether the reserve's land management practices have been successful over time.

Students will also collect data and information to prepare a case study that investigates the specific biotic and abiotic effects of several introduced species at the site.

Program details

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The needs of living things

Science and technology

Early stage 1

Inquiry question

  • What are the needs of living things?

This resource will help students learn about the needs of living things. It contains twelve activities with supporting videos and resources that encourage students to explore the natural world.

Students will learn about the needs of people, prepare for an adventure, explore the needs of animals, work as scientists to investigate the needs of plants and go outside to take care of themselves by practising mindfulness breathing and yoga.

Student activities

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