Homeschool Geography & Science Excursion: Water detectives at Manly Dam

Why learn about water from a textbook when you can investigate it firsthand? Join us for a hands-on day of outdoor learning as we explore the bushland and waterways of Manly Dam. We'll test water quality, catch water bugs and discover how catchments function and how human activities can affect our waterways. Designed for Stage 3 and Stage 4 homeschool students, this excursion combines Geography and Science through practical investigations, fieldwork and outdoor exploration in one of Sydney's most beautiful bushland environments. What we'll do • Test water quality using scientific equipment • Search for aquatic macroinvertebrates using field equipment and identification charts • Build and test water filters • Explore the waterways and bushland surrounding Manly Dam • Use topographic maps to identify the water catchment • Investigate sources of water pollution • Complete a field sketch • Meet and learn alongside other homeschool students Why families love fieldwork Many students learn best when they can move, explore and experience concepts in the real world. This excursion provides an engaging alternative to desk-based learning and gives students the opportunity to investigate the environment firsthand while spending the day outdoors. All fieldwork equipment is supplied, and every student will have the opportunity to participate in practical activities throughout the day. Worksheets are also provided and may be completed during the excursion or used afterwards as part of your homeschool excursion package. Geography & Science fieldwork Fieldwork is an important part of the NSW Geography and Science syllabuses and provides students with the opportunity to apply geographical and scientific skills in a real-world environment. Location Manly Dam, Allambie Heights A detailed meeting location and map will be provided before the excursion. Suitable for Stage 3 and Stage 4 homeschool students. Price $38.50 per student A minimum of 15 students is required for the excursion to proceed. Looking for a different date? If the advertised date doesn't suit your family or homeschool group, Auseco can also arrange private excursions during November and December 2026. Private excursions require a minimum of 15 students. A private Humanitix event will be created so participants can register and pay individually. Please contact Auseco at [email protected] to discuss available dates. About Auseco Auseco has been delivering hands-on field studies across Sydney since the 1980s. Our team includes experienced educators, scientists and geographers who are passionate about helping young people learn through exploration, discovery and real-world investigation. Important Information Children must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible parent or carer at all times throughout the excursion. Parents and carers retain responsibility for the supervision, care and wellbeing of each participant in their care for the duration of the program, including while moving between fieldwork locations. Auseco Education provides the educational program, fieldwork instruction and equipment for the excursion. Responsibility for the supervision and care of participating children remains with their accompanying parent or carer at all times. Participants should be comfortable walking several kilometres throughout the day on bush tracks, fire trails and other outdoor surfaces. For further information, please contact Auseco Education at [email protected].