Early Childhood Excursions
There are three amazing ways to experience the Early Start Discovery Space as a group:
- Self-Guided Excursion
Come along and have fun at the Discovery Space independently, including access to all the Experiences. - Guided Excursion
Your excursion will include time for independent exploration PLUS a guided Experience Lesson from one of our Education Coordinators. All Experience lessons – there’s three to choose from in the menu below – have been mapped to the Early Years Learning Framework. - Incursion
Our experienced Educators will come to your centre or school to share purpose-designed activities that inspire imagination and ignite a love of learning. All Experience Lessons are available as an incursion.
Cost and availability
Excursion Option 1:
Days: Monday – Friday
Sessions: 9.30am – 11.30am
Cost: $10 per child Self-Guided / $15 per child Guided (minimum 15, maximum 50 children)
This option has you in the space with our regular members and guest, but we will put you in small groups to ensure you see it all and move around the space safely.
No charge for educators/adults
1:8 adult: child ratio is essential so we can split into small groups and ensure we socially distance within the Space.
Excursion Option 2:
Days: Monday – Friday
Sessions: 12pm-2pm
Cost: $10 per child Self-Guided / $15 per child Guided (minimum 30, maximum 300 children)
With this option you will have the entire Discovery Space all to yourself plus our excellent Education Coordinators will be onsite for a chat.
No charge for educators/adults
1:8 adult: child ratio is essential so we can split into small groups and ensure we socially distance within the Space.
Incursion:
Days: Monday- Friday
Session Options and Pricing:
Half Day (9am – 12pm) within 30 minutes from UOW – $450
Half Day (9am – 12pm) within 30 – 60 minutes from UOW – $775
Full Day (9am – 3pm) within 30 minutes from UOW – $650
Full Day (9am – 3pm) within 30 – 60 minutes from UOW – $1000
All excursions must be booked 14 days before the date of the excursion.
Please note guided tours and incursions are not available during school holidays.
Options
Self-guided Excursion
Your group will spend two hours independently exploring Early Start Discovery Space. You will be briefed by a Discovery Space Educator and supported with materials, including a map outlining our schedule to ensure you maximise your time across all of our experiences.
Where's the Bear? – Excursion/Incursion
The Where’s the Bear Experience Lesson includes the following activities:
- Book Reading: Children participate in a very active storytelling of “We’re going on a Bear Hunt.” Children are encouraged to use musical and dramatic play as they bring sounds of the landscape to life.
- Teddy Bear Hunt & Craft: Children get creative as they make their own “clue finder” to use as they become detectives, finding clues around the Space in search of our very own Discovery Space bear.
Curriculum Links
Early Year Learning Framework: Outcome 1, 4 and 5
Dinosaur Dig – Excursion/Incursion
The Dinosaur Dig Experience Lesson includes the following activities:
- Dinosaur Dig: Children become mini palaeontologists as they explore dinosaur fossils in our hands-on dig. Children will learn all about dinosaur behaviours, diets and habitats.
- Move Like A Dinosaur: Children are engaged in active role play as they become dinosaurs and create their own dinosaur walking track to take back to school.
Curriculum Links
Early Year Learning Framework: Outcome 1, 2, 4 and 5
Garden Explorers – Excursion/Incursion
The Garden Explorers Experience Lesson includes the following activities:
- Plant Protectors: Children explore the importance of sustainability and the environment by participating in a garden adventure and searching for a variety of plant and animal life.
- Watch Me Grow: Children role play the different natural life found in a garden and create their own garden-inspired artworks.
Curriculum Links
Early Year Learning Framework: Outcome 1, 2, 4 and 5
Curious Collection - Incursion
The Early Start Discovery Space comes to you with a collection of hands-on exhibits and toys to transform your early learning centre into a mini children’s museum! Learn emergent science skills through play as we read, sing, and dance our way to discovery.
Curriculum Links
Early Year Learning Framework: Outcome 1, 2, 4 and 5
Additional Information – Excursions
It is the responsibility of the coordinating educator to ensure all children and accompanying teachers are briefed on the conditions of entry, and expectations and commitments. Please read our venue and safety information to assist with planning your risk assessment. All excursions require a ratio of 1 teacher/caregiver to 8 children. Please also ensure the ratio of teachers/caregivers is approved by your principal or centre director before your excursion. See our FAQs for more info.
Additional Information – Incursions
Each room/group will attend a workshop for approx. 30 minutes. Max. 30 per group. A timetable will be designed to suit the needs of your centre. Hosting an Early Start Discovery Space incursion is easy. All you need is: one indoor room free of furniture (e.g. spare classroom, hall, library, etc. – preferably non-carpeted), nearby parking for one vehicle, access to water, one supervising teacher per class, and handwashing facilities for students prior to their session. See our FAQs for more info.
Special needs bookings
For special needs group bookings, please contact us to discuss your needs. Options may include scheduling your visit on a Monday when we are normally closed to the general public.
Contact us
If you have any questions, please read our FAQs or you can email us at [email protected].
