Zoo nature journal

Dubbo

Science

Summary

S3 - S5 - Science
Explore biodiversity through contour drawing, sound mapping and nature journalling at Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

Things to know

Book this workshop

Stage
Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5
Learning areas
Science
Duration
45 minutes
Cost
$19.00 per student for NSW Government Schools, or $21.00 per student for non-NSW Government Schools.
Inclusions
Includes workshop session, Nature Journal booklet and Zoo entry.

Workshop overview

In this creative workshop, students discover biodiversity through the practice of nature journalling — a powerful tool used by scientists, naturalists and artists to observe and record the living world. Guided by Zoo educators, learners develop their skills in contour drawing, sound mapping, and focused observation to help them truly see the natural environment around them.

Students will explore Taronga Western Plains Zoo, observing animals, habitats and natural features while capturing their experiences in a fun, thoughtfully designed nature journal booklet. This hands‑on resource blends science, art and environmental literacy, helping students make meaningful connections between what they see, hear and understand about biodiversity.

The workshop encourages curiosity, mindful observation and creative expression, supporting students to slow down, look closely and appreciate the complexity of the natural world. By the end of the session, learners will have created a unique keepsake — a personal record of their discoveries and a cherished memento of their Zoo visit.

Learning outcomes

Stage: Stage 3, Stage 4

Outcomes	Content
English S3 EN3-CWT-01 plans, creates and revises written texts for multiple purposes and audiences through selection of text features, sentence-level grammar, punctuation and word-level language	Choose literary forms with appropriate text structures, features and language to engage target audiences Choose and control narrative voice across a text Select and use poetic forms to descriptively express ideas
English S4 EN4-ECA-01 creates personal, creative and critical texts for a range of audiences by using linguistic and stylistic conventions of language to express ideas	Demonstrate control of structural and grammatical components to produce texts that are appropriate to topic, purpose and audience Express ideas in logically structured and cohesively sequenced texts to enhance meaning
Visual Arts S3 CA3-VIS-01 makes artworks in intentional ways to represent ideas about their world, and explains ways artists are influenced by contexts and how artworks are interpreted by audiences	Use drawing materials and techniques to create artistic effects to represent subject matter or ideas in intentional ways Explore artistic conventions and ways to represent subject matter and ideas in compositions
Visual Arts S4 VA4-AMC-01 makes artworks to represent ideas that explore Artworld concepts and their relationships VA4-AMP-01 uses aspects of Practice in artworks	Explore the world as a source of ideas and subject matter to represent meaning in artworks Investigate and use a range of materials, techniques and procedures to represent ideas about the world in artworks

Taronga Education is dedicated to providing inclusive and accessible learning experiences for all students. Our aim is to support every student’s participation and engagement in our workshops, and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments for your students. Please contact our education team with any queries you might have.