Stage 4 – Stage 5 Zoo Workshops

Taronga Zoo’s Stage 4 – Stage 5 workshops are designed to bring syllabus content to life through immersive, hands-on experiences. These workshops offer deep engagement with topics across Science, Geography, History, Mathematics and Aboriginal Studies.

Each session is led by an experienced Zoo Educator and takes place in purpose-built learning spaces and animal habitats across the zoo. Students might investigate classification systems, evaluate ecosystem management, apply design thinking to animal enclosures, or reflect on Indigenous knowledge systems and connections to Country.

💡 How it works: When submitting your enquiry via EdTripper, simply list your preferred workshop in the comments field. Your zoo visit will include a 90-minute workshop and time to explore the zoo’s exhibits at your own pace.

🗓 Workshop Availability:
Workshops run Tuesday to Friday, with sessions at 10:30am, 11:30am, or 12:30pm.

Workshop Options in this Program:

🏗 Enclosure Design (Stage 4–5 – Science, Maths, Technology)

Outcomes: Stage 4 – Science, Mathematics, Mandatory Technology
Stage 5 – Science, Mathematics 5.1, Design & Technology
Students develop a design brief for a new zoo enclosure that balances animal welfare, enrichment, safety, functionality, and sustainability. Includes research, observation, budgeting, and creative thinking.

🕵️ Zoo Clues (Stage 3–4 – Science & Mathematics)

Outcomes:
Stage 4 – SC4-6WS, SC4-7WS, SC4-8WS, SC4-9WS, SC4-14LW
MA4-1WM, MA4-2WM, MA4-3WM
Students work in teams to solve a zoo mystery using scientific inquiry and mathematical reasoning. Includes observation, analysis, and problem-solving around living things.

🔬 Classification and Adaptations (Stage 4 – Science)

Outcomes: SC4-14LW, SC4-15LW, SC4-8WS
Students investigate the classification of living organisms and explore the link between structural features and survival through close-up encounters with animals.

🧪 Science in Action (Stage 4–5 – Science)

Outcomes:
Stage 4 – SC4-4WS, SC4-6WS, SC4-9WS
Stage 5 – SC5-4WS, SC5-6WS, SC5-9WS
This workshop explores the nature of scientific investigation through direct observation and evidence. Students step into the role of scientists to understand how questions lead to inquiry.

🌏 Connecting to Country (Stage 4–5 – History & Geography)

Outcomes:
Stage 4 – HT4-2, HT4-6, GE4-1, GE4-4
Stage 5 – HT5-4, GE5-3, GE5-4, GE5-5
Through storytelling and connection to culturally significant sites within the zoo, students gain a deeper understanding of Aboriginal perspectives, land use, and kinship systems.

🌿 Exploring Ecosystems (Stage 5 – Science)

Outcomes: SC5-14LW, SC5-2VA
Students explore food chains, webs, energy flow, and keystone species. With live animal encounters and ecosystem modelling, they’ll analyse the complexity of biodiversity and threats to balance.

🛠 Environmental Change and Management (Stage 5 – Geography)

Outcomes: GE5-2, GE5-3, GE5-4, GE5-5, GE5-7, GE5-8
Investigate human-induced environmental change in Australia and Sumatra. Students will explore worldviews, management strategies, and actions individuals can take to support sustainability.