Part of the interconnected sessions:
This much loved hands on area provides high value/low pressure ways to incorporate many disciplines across fields.

Aimed primarily at teens | Peer-Led | Parent/Guardian Managed | V9 Curriculum aligned

Living Laboratory FIELD STUDIES are hands-on, outdoor science exploration sessions, designed to expose biology in a real-world setting. Students investigate ecosystems, collect data, ask questions, and build practical scientific skills in a collaborative environment. With guided studies that support homeschool reporting obligations.

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BIOLOGY FOUNDATIONS STUDIES broadly touch on the primary fields of Biology, introducing teens to how the discipline is structured at higher levels:

Primary Fields of BIOLOGY

Botany (plants)
Zoology (animals)
Ecology (ecosystem relationships)
Environmental Science (human impact & sustainability)
Within these fields, students are introduced to key subfields:

Focus areas can then be adjusted to suit the interests of each cohort.
ie: If a group is particularly interested in insects, water systems, plant identification, or conservation issues…
guided studies are provided from our 40+ subfields to ensure all interests are touched on. (guide and location dependent)

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PROCESS: Studies are predominantly

• Time: 2.5 hours Broken down into 3 x 30 minute sessions.
  Plus instruction / location movement / comparison and question time.
  Plus time for Observational notations
• Break time: Some areas include a lunch or group break time for socials – 30min+
• Interconnected adjuncts are woven in with extra blocks – eg: may do a wash of paint and the next session while it dries.
• Costs: May include access to consumable supplies note this is location/guide specific and specific information will be available on the location page.

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LOGNAHOLME (4129) PARK – openings HERE
CARINA (4152)PARK – openings

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* BOTANY – Plant Systems & Biodiversity, some locations have optional adjuncts.

Field identification, structural studies, adaptations, quadrat sampling, and habitat mapping. Survey, citizen science and ID.
1 – OPTIONAL ADDITION – LIVING LAB-ART Turn Botanical Field Studies into Art: Botanical illustration, labelled diagrams, and detailed field journaling. (20-40 STUDIES)
2 – OPTIONAL ADDITION – CREATIVE WRITING Creative Writing Through Ecological Observation: Transform real scientific field observations into imaginative and reflective writings. Solo or in teams. (20-30 STUDIES)

All areas are V9 Curriculum aligned and come with reporting support.

* ZOOLOGY – Wildlife & Behaviour – Specific subfield Entomology and adjunct options may be available

Tracks and signs, behaviour observation, habitat use, species identification, surveys, citizen science and ethical field methods.
* ENTOMOLOGY – as a sub discipline study: Investigate insect diversity, ecological roles and life cycles. Develop observation skills while understanding how insects underpin pollination, soil health, and ecosystem stability. Survey, record, ID

1 – OPTIONAL ADDITION – LIVING LAB-ART Turn Zoology Field Studies into Art (12-40 studies) dependant on fields being studied
2 – OPTIONAL ADDITION – CREATIVE WRITING Creative Writing Through Ecological Observation: Transform real scientific field observations into imaginative and reflective writings. Solo or in teams. (20-30 STUDIES)
All areas are V9 Curriculum aligned and come with reporting support.

* ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE – Ecosystems & Human Impact – adjunct options may be available

Water and soil indicators, sustainability studies, conservation challenges, and ecosystem health assessment.

1- OPTIONAL ADDITION – LIVING LAB-ART Turn Field Studies into visuals: Ecosystem mapping, environmental diagrams, and scientific infographics. (2-15 studies)
2 – OPTIONAL ADDITION – CREATIVE WRITING through exploration of environmental science and ecology concepts, translating real ecosystem observations into reflective – fantasy and analytical narratives that deepen their understanding of human impact and natural systems. Working solo or in teams. (5-20 studies)
All areas are V9 Curriculum aligned and come with reporting support.

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Guided Studies & Independent Fieldwork
Guided study sessions help students structure investigations in ways that support homeschool reporting obligations, including:

Clearly defined inquiry questions
Documented methodology
Data tables and observations
Analysis and reflection components
Curriculum mapping
For families who prefer greater flexibility, fieldwork frameworks can also be used independently.
Students may conduct investigations in their own time or in their own backyard, using provided structures and prompts.

Flexible & Location-Dependent
Activities adapted to the environment the studies are in.
Water investigations, for example, require ponds, streams, or wetlands, while other sites may focus on plants, soil, or wildlife. We also accommodate weather-dependent studies — exploring changes after rain or in different seasonal conditions — and offer one-off special studies such as nocturnal surveys to observe animals and activity in specific conditions where appropriate.

Scope & Specialised Sessions
We facilitate the cohort, choosing from our 150+ structured field- study plans across the year, giving students exposure to the magnitude of the noted biological sciences.
SOME ACTIVITIES — such as tree climbing, handling certain insects, or edible species investigations — require a licensed scientist or field specialist for safety and compliance. These sessions may involve an additional cost.

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PARTICIPANTS – get to explore real science, outdoors, with other curious minds. Focus areas, build field skills, and investigate topics that have real world applications.

For parents:
The program is structured, science-based, and curriculum-informed, while remaining flexible and free from formal assessment pressure. It supports skill development aligned to V9 Australian Curriculum science strands without becoming a formal qualification pathway.

Sessions are peer-led, with students working together to explore ideas and conduct investigations. All activities are parent/guardian managed for supervision and legal responsibility.

Living Laboratory session introduces the breadth of biology — and then allows depth where curiosity leads.

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