Year 2 Royal Botanical Gardens Excursion

Year 2 attended their first excursion this year at the Royal Botanical Gardens where they learnt about Aboriginal culture and connection to land as part of this term’s Collaborative Learning Project and PDHPE Program.

The Year 2 students explored a variety of native Australian plants and bush tucker, discovering the many special uses of each plant. The students learnt that when combined with water, the leaves from a Golden Wattle Tree can create an antiseptic soap. They also learnt that leaves from a dianella plant can act as a whistle for Aboriginal people who are lost. The Year 2 students were very excited to taste fresh finger limes from the finger lime plant.

After exploring some native plants, the Year 2 students also had an opportunity to be painted with ochre and perform some traditional Aboriginal dances. They had to listen very carefully to the clapping sticks to ensure they were moving at the correct pace.

Finally, the students participated in a fun and competitive Aboriginal game called ‘Kolap’. This game would traditionally involve materials made from the land and helps develop hand-eye coordination skills, which are needed for activities such as spearing kangaroo and catching fish.

It was a wonderful day of learning for Year 2 and we thank the staff at the Royal Botanical Gardens for facilitating such an engaging and interactive learning experience.

– Melissa Bye and Claudia Catania
Year 2 Teachers

– Michelle Hiss
PDHPE Teacher