NSW Curriculum Links & Learning Experiences for Schools
At SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, our education programs are designed to support the NSW syllabus through immersive, real-world exploration of marine environments.
Our experiences focus on the Living World strand of Science & Technology, helping students understand how animals survive, interact and depend on their environments, brought to life through guided tours, self-guided visits and curriculum-linked teacher resources.
Already visited and know you want to book? Head to the booking form here
How your visit works
We offer flexible learning experiences designed to suit your class needs:
Guided Tours (Educator-led)
Our expert educators bring the aquarium to life through structured sessions focused on:
- Habitats & ecosystems
- Adaptations for survival
- Food chains & interdependence
- Conservation & human impact
These sessions are tailored by stage and provide clear links to NSW Science outcomes.
Self-Guided Visits
Teachers can lead their own learning experience using:
- Student observation
- Exhibit signage
- Curriculum-linked worksheets
This allows flexibility to focus on topics most relevant to your current classroom learning.
Pre & Post-Visit Resources
Extend learning beyond the excursion with:
- Pre-visit activities to introduce key concepts
- Post-visit classroom resources to reinforce learning
- Downloadable worksheets aligned to NSW syllabus outcomes
Curriculum Links by Stage
Curriculum links included, but not limited to:
Science & Technology – Living World
Students explore what living things need to survive.
At SEA LIFE Sydney, students can:
- Observe marine animals and identify basic needs (food, water, shelter)
- Explore the difference between living and non-living things
- Ask questions about the animals they encounter
Supported learning outcomes:
- Identifying living things and their needs
- Exploring and asking questions about the world around them
Science & Technology – Living World
Students learn about the features of living things and their environments.
Through guided or self-guided experiences, students can:
- Identify external features of fish, sharks, penguins and rays
- Explore how different habitats (reef, ocean, freshwater) support life
- Understand how animals use their features to survive
Guided tour links:
- Animal classifications & adaptations
- Habitats and survival
Linking to Geography (supporting learning)
Students can also:
- Explore how people interact with marine environments
- Discuss ways we can care for oceans and waterways
Science & Technology – Living World
Students investigate life cycles, ecosystems and interactions between living things.
At SEA LIFE Sydney, students can:
- Explore marine food chains and food webs
- Observe predator-prey relationships in ocean environments
- Identify how animals depend on each other within ecosystems
Guided tour links:
- Food chains & interdependence
- Habitat relationships
Environmental Connections
Students can:
- Investigate how human activity impacts marine environments
- Explore simple conservation actions to protect oceans
Science & Technology – Living World
Students deepen their understanding of ecosystems and environmental change.
During their visit, students can:
- Examine adaptations of marine animals (structural & behavioural)
- Investigate how environmental changes affect survival
- Explore biodiversity within reef and ocean ecosystems
Guided tour links:
- Adaptations for survival
- Ecosystem balance
- Conservation in action
Sustainability Focus
Students are introduced to:
- Marine conservation initiatives
- Human impacts such as pollution and habitat loss
- Ways individuals can help protect oceans
Science – Ecosystems
Students explore interactions between organisms and their environments.
At SEA LIFE Sydney, students can:
- Observe interdependence in marine ecosystems
- Explore how abiotic factors (temperature, water quality) affect survival
- Investigate real-world examples of human impact
Guided tour links:
- Ecosystem interactions
- Threats to marine environments
Science – Biology Focus
Students examine biodiversity, ecosystems and environmental sustainability.
During their visit, students can:
- Investigate biodiversity across marine environments
- Explore the classification of marine organisms
- Consider conservation strategies and their effectiveness
Guided tour links:
- Biodiversity & ecosystems
- Conservation and sustainability
Sustainability
Embedded throughout all stages, students will:
- Explore the importance of protecting marine ecosystems
- Understand the impact of human actions on ocean health
- Discover how conservation programs support marine life
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Perspectives
Learning opportunities may include:
- Understanding connections to Sea Country
- Recognising the cultural significance of marine environments
- Appreciating knowledge of sustainable practices
Why Choose SEA LIFE Sydney for Your School Excursion?
- Aligned to the NSW Science & Technology (Living World) syllabus
- Flexible delivery: guided tours or self-guided learning
- Supports inquiry-based, observational learning
- Includes pre- and post-visit classroom resources
- Engaging real-world context to reinforce classroom teaching
Located in the heart of Darling Harbour, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium provides a memorable and educational learning experience for students of all ages.
