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Incursions

STEAM into Nature with Natural Pigments

Our STEAM into Nature with Natural Pigments incursion offers students the opportunity to explore connections between nature, science, technology, visual art and history. Students will learn about the colours of history through a series of interactive, small group challenges and be challenged to create their own paint using natural pigments. These natural pigments will be used by every student to paint a canvas of their own to take home at the end of the session. This experience brings together a unique blend of igniting imaginations and supporting creativity whilst considering the science and technological skills needed to create a masterpiece.

STEAM into Nature with Natural Pigments is perfect for groups of up to 30 learners per session, multiple sessions can be held during the day.

 

Duration:
90 minutes
Cost (per student):
$20 [+GST]
Target Audience:
Reception to Year 9
Conditions:
Minimum spend of $400 and travel surcharge may apply.
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Testimonials

Our Year 1 classes loved the STEAM into Nature with Natural Pigments program. The staff were engaging and related to students with care and control. They facilitated a wonderful program linked to the Australian Curriculum.

STEAM Natural Pigments - Tyndale Christian School Strathalbyn

As always the team provided an amazing experience, shared exceptional knowledge and connected with the children in a kind and respectful way! Thank you for another exceptional incursion!

STEAM Natural Pigments - St Therese School

So engaging and amazing presentation for the children. So much fun!

STEAM Natural Pigments - St Joseph’s kingswood

This was a very entertaining and unique incursion. We loved the use of the outdoors and how you brought your own equipment so we didn’t need to use any of ours. The staff were very friendly and made it inclusive for all the children!

STEAM Natural Pigments - Hillcrest Primary School

The natural pigment session was incredible for meeting the needs of our curious and busy junior primary learners. The session was not only fun and exciting, it also helped learners to build their skills in persistent and resilience. Learners were engaged for the whole session and left feeling accomplished and confident.

STEAM into Natural Pigments - Christie Downs Primary School

Very engaging program, the kids loved it. Their favourite parts were using the paint they made to create beautiful pieces of art! Nature Play staff were very knowledgeable and provided a great workshop for the kids.

STEAM into Natural Pigments - Xavier College Evanston

We would book the ‘STEAM into Natural Pigments’ program a hundred million times over. It was fun, engaging and beautifully calm being outside, with thoughtful, inspiring facilitation that allowed creativity to bloom. Thankyou!

STEAM into Natural Pigments - North Adelaide Primary School

The natural pigment session was incredible for meeting the needs of our curious and busy junior primary learners. The session was not only fun and exciting, it also helped learners to build their skills in persistent and resilience. Learners were engaged for the whole session and left feeling accomplished and confident.

STEAM into Natural Pigments - Christie Downs Primary School

STEAM Into Natural Pigments FAQ's

Is this incursion suitable for learners with food allergies?

This incursion uses a mix of flowers and plants foraged from our gardens and food powders (Tumeric; Beetroot; Paprika; and Spinach) which are used to create pigment paints. This incursion may not be suitable for learners with food allergies, please get in contact with our staff if you have specific questions about products being used.

Is this a messy program?

Our OSHC STEAM into Natural Pigments program involves working with mortars and pestles to create paints from natural materials and food powders. Much like cooking, there is potential for some mess and stains. Where schools and sites are concerned about mess and stains on uniforms or clothing, we encourage the use of school provided smocks, aprons, or older clothes brought specifically for the session.

Is there a minimum charge?

As a not-for-profit organisation, our programs do have minimum spend amount to cover costs. The minimum charge will be applied at the time of invoice. If your school or site would like to run a program that doesn’t meet the minimum spend amount, please contact [email protected] to discuss options.

STEAM into Natural Pigments: Minimum $400 spend

Where do we meet you on the day?

Please meet your NPSA educator at the school’s office upon their arrival to sign in and set up. Your educator/s will arrive approximately 60 minutes before the first session to prepare.

STEAM into Natural Pigments is a resource-intensive program, so selecting a space with vehicle access for easier unloading and packing up is crucial. Please ensure someone is onsite to unlock any necessary access points and inform us of this space’s location so that we can plan our resources accordingly.

What do we need to provide?

Access to water for both set up and clean-up is required, so please take this into account when selecting your location. Please identify a nearby garden water tap NPSA educators can use to fill several buckets.

If you have access to a green space, school garden, or school oval (preferably with shade), it would be ideal. The minimum space required is typically about the size of a tennis court.

Will you work within our timetabled blocks?

Yes. There are three scheduling options based on the structure of your school day: before recess, after recess, or after lunch.

STEAM into Natural Pigments sessions run for 90 minutes, and three sessions can be accommodated in one school day.

We cater to groups of up to 40 students per session.

General FAQ's

What ages do you work with?

Our education programs are designed for children in Kindergarten to Year 12. We can tailor programs to suit the learning and curriculum needs of your site/school and the students in your care. Our advertised age ranges are simply there to guide you.

Do you provide all of the materials?

Yes, NPSA will provide all materials for the program you have booked.

What do we have to provide?

We prioritise connection and positive interactions with both learners and educators. We encourage everyone to wear a name tag (even masking tape with names is acceptable) during the program.

The Teacher-in-Charge is responsible for all pastoral care and first aid for students according to DfE guidelines. Please ensure you have all necessary documentation and resources in line with school-based policies and procedures.

The setting of the incursion significantly influences children’s engagement in nature play. If available, a green space, school garden, or school oval (ideally with nearby trees) would be optimal. The minimum space required is typically about the size of a tennis court.

Is there a travel charge for your incursion program?

Due to the wide-area we service, there is a small travel fee for incursions and programs delivered outside of the Adelaide Metro area (including regional and country SA.) As a not-for-profit organisation, we keep these costs to a minimum.

Fees are determined by your location and distance from our headquarters in Blackwood, SA, using Google Maps to calculate travel kilometres from our office in the Wittunga Botanic Gardens.

Travel fee Schedule

0 to 24km – no charge
26 to 50km – If your site is within this range, there is a one-off travel fee of $80 applied to your final invoice.
51 km and over – fee will be negotiated with the booking

What happens if we have to cancel our session?

A $200 cancellation fee applies if you cancel your confirmed booking without rescheduling. If cancellation is due to hazardous weather, NPSA will strive to notify you by 4 pm the day before your scheduled program offering (no cancellation fee applies in this case). In the event of severe or hazardous weather conditions leading to cancellation, we will collaborate with you to reschedule programs for a mutually agreeable time.

When will you invoice and require payment?

An invoice will be promptly sent to you following your excursion for payment within 14 days. Attendance numbers will be recorded on the day to ensure accurate invoicing. Charges for in-term programs are based on the children present on the day, while OSHC and vacation care programs are charged based on predicted numbers at the time of booking.

Policies and procedures

Risk Assessments: Upon booking confirmation for all programs, a risk assessment is provided for your review. Please carefully review this document and ensure that all staff (and volunteers where applicable) are aware of their roles and responsibilities on the day.

Insurance: NPSA holds public liability insurance and possesses a certificate of currency, which can be provided upon request.

Staff Clearances: All NPSA staff possess current DHS Working with Children Checks, Catholic Education clearances, and/or Teacher Registration, along with up-to-date first aid and RRHAN-EC training. These clearances can be provided upon request, and staff also carry hard copies on program days.

What are the adult to child ratios that we need to provide?

All programs are led by experienced NPSA educators; however, they do not count towards the required adult-to-child ratio for your excursion or incursion.

Your school/site-based policies and procedures will dictate the appropriate adult-to-child ratio for your program. We encourage the presence of adult helpers for excursions. According to DfE guidelines:

  • 1:6 for preschool to year 2
  • 1:10 for years 3 to 6
  • 1:15 for years 7 to 12

Our Partners

Green Adelaide

Green Adelaide is a South Australian Government supported organisation that is working towards a vision of a cooler, greener, wilder and climate-resilient metropolitan South Australia. The Green Adelaide area spans from the hills to the sea, encompassing 17 metropolitan council areas and about 1.3 million South Australians. Nature Play SA is funded by Green Adelaide and contributes to Adelaide National Park City.

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Our Partners

Department for Education

The Department for Education aims to ensure South Australia’s public education system can unlock every child’s potential now and in the future. Educators and staff work in partnership with families and communities to empower all children and young people with the knowledge, skills, and capabilities they need to become fulfilled individuals, active, compassionate citizens, and lifelong learners.

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Our Partners

The Department for Environment and Water

The Department for Environment and Water aims to help South Australians conserve, sustain and prosper. Their work in managing, conserving, and sustaining our environment and cultural resources is vital for the wellbeing of all South Australians.

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